Practice 3.4 Conservation of biodiversity with authentic IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS - Old) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1, 2 structure, covering key topics like ecosystems, human impact, and sustainability. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe two approaches to ex-situ plant conservation and their respective advantages.
Question 2
HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe two methods for assessing genetic diversity within a population.
Question 3
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Using named examples, distinguish between the concept of a “charismatic” (flagship) species and a keystone species.
2.[7]
Explain the role of two historical influences who shaped the development of the environmental movement.
3.[9]
Discuss the role of environmental value systems in the protection of tropical biomes.
Question 4
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[3]
Define the term "biodiversity loss" and explain its three main levels.
Question 5
SLPaper 1
Figure 1: Fact file on North American beavers
- Typically, one family per square kilometer of river habitat.
- Live in family groups consisting of two adults and up to three kits, born annually between April and June.
- Experience high mortality rates due to harsh weather, limited suitable habitats, and predation.
- North American beaver population:
- Estimated at 250 million before the fur trade.
- Currently around 9 million.
- Primarily feed on tree bark.
- Build lodges using wood and mud, which serve as:
- Safe spaces for eating, sleeping, and raising young.
- Winter shelters where they remain during the colder months.
- Defended structures to keep other beavers out.
- Beavers are being reintroduced in Europe to aid in wetland restoration.
Source: adapted from www.sbaa.ca, www.ecology.info, www.tobyhemenway.com and http://acs7.cortland.edu
Figure 2: Algonquin wolf pack territories and protected areas
1.[1]
With reference to Figure 1, outline one reason why there are more beaver remains in wolf faeces during summer.
2.[2]
The number of wolves in Algonquin Provincial Park is estimated to be between 250 and 1000. Outline two reasons why it is so difficult to estimate the number of wolves accurately.
3.[3]
With reference to Figure 2, explain the threats to the future existence of a small and sustainable population of wolves as a result of their protection in limited area.
Question 6
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Outline two direct and two indirect threats to terrestrial biological diversity.
2.[7]
Discuss, using examples, how ecological urban planning finds a balance between living organisms and urban environments.
3.[9]
Discuss the validity of the following statement: Choosing the best conservation strategy can be aided by considering both economic and ecological arguments.
Question 7
SLPaper 1
The resource booklet provides information on Algonquin Provincial Park in Canada. Use the resource booklet and your own studies to answer the following.
1.[1]
Identify one benefit of the reintroduction of beavers in Europe.
2.[1]
Identify one potential problem with the reintroduction of beavers in Europe.
Question 8
SLPaper 1
Figure: A graph showing past mass extinctions.
1.[2]
State two possible causes of these past mass extinctions.
2.[2]
Identify two ways in which the current extinction differs from mass extinctions in the past.
3.[2]
Explain one factor that may make a species less prone to extinction.
4.[2]
Outline how the process of natural selection is a mechanism for evolution.
Question 9
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Outline the role of the atmospheric system in the distribution of biomes.
2.[7]
Discuss how human impacts on the atmosphere can terrestrial biome productivity.
3.[9]
To what extent is the need for conservation more significant in tropical biomes?
Question 10
SLPaper 2
1.[7]
Discuss how models of ecosystems might be used in species conservation.
2.[4]
Outline one method for measuring the impact of dead organic matter build-up in an aquatic ecosystem.
3.[9]
Examine how the introduction and re-introduction of a species may affect an ecosystem.