Climate and natural vegetation

Students should be able to describe and explain the features of two different climates, focusing on temperature aspects such as the average temperature of the hottest and coolest months, and the annual temperature range. They should also cover equatorial climates and precipitation patterns, including convection and relief rainfall, as well as the characteristics of hot desert rainfall, including its quantity and seasonal distribution. Additionally, students must identify the factors that affect these climate characteristics, such as latitude, pressure systems, winds, proximity to the ocean, altitude, and ocean currents. They should be able to interpret climatic graphs that illustrate the key temperature and rainfall features of the two climates. Furthermore, students should describe and explain the interrelationship between natural vegetation, soil, wildlife, and climate in tropical rainforest and hot desert ecosystems. They must also discuss the causes and consequences of deforestation in tropical rainforests, including its local and global impacts on the environment and on human populations. A case study is required for this objective, focusing on one area of tropical rainforest and one area of hot desert. Refer to the guidance on case studies for planning options and note the use of the term 'including' in the further guidance.