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

What type of system does the oil economy represent?

1. Circular economy

2. Sustainable system

3. Take-Make-Dump system

4. Biological cycle

The correct answer is: Take-Make-Dump system

The oil economy represents a Take-Make-Dump system because it operates on a linear model that extracts resources, processes them into products, and ultimately leads to their disposal as waste. In this model, raw materials such as crude oil are extracted from the Earth, transformed into various products (like gasoline, plastics, and other petrochemicals), and once these products are used, they are often discarded, contributing to environmental degradation and pollution. This approach contrasts with a circular economy, which emphasizes reuse, recycling, and sustainability to minimize waste. A sustainable system aims to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, focusing on renewable resources and responsible consumption. The biological cycle refers to natural processes where organisms use resources efficiently and waste becomes food for other organisms, creating a closed loop. These other systems strive for sustainability and efficiency, unlike the Take-Make-Dump model, which promotes a linear and wasteful trajectory.