OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What does desertification refer to?

  1. The process of land becoming less fertile

  2. The transformation of land into desert

  3. The increase of vegetation in arid areas

  4. The reduction of water levels in rivers

The correct answer is: The transformation of land into desert

Desertification specifically refers to the transformation of land into desert, typically as a result of a variety of factors, including climate change, deforestation, and poor agricultural practices. This process leads to a decline in land productivity, making it increasingly difficult for plants to thrive and consequently reducing biodiversity. While factors like soil degradation and decreased fertility contribute to desertification, the term is uniquely concerned with areas becoming desert-like in nature. Therefore, this definition encompasses not just the reduction of vegetation, but also the broader environmental changes leading to the emergence of desert landscapes.