Paper 2 · Ecology and Ecosystems
Why is vegetative ground cover important in an ecosystem?
ARoots hold soil particles together, reducing soil erosion and surface run-off
BIt increases the speed of surface water run-off, stripping topsoil rather than reducing erosion
CIt prevents water from percolating into the soil, causing waterlogging rather than reducing erosion
DIt removes microhabitats and reduces pest numbers, rather than binding the soil together with roots
Explanation: Ground cover roots hold soil together, reducing erosion and run-off.
Derived from ZIMSEC Biology 4025/2 Paper 2 Theory, June 2019, Q6
