Practice D4.2 Sustainability and change with authentic IB Biology exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 structure, covering key topics like cell biology, genetics, and ecology. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
SLPaper 1A
What must be true for a resource harvest to be sustainable?
Question 2
SLPaper 1A
What is the main effect of eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems?
Question 3
SLPaper 1A
Why is large-scale deforestation in the Amazon considered dangerous?
Question 4
SLPaper 1A
Table showing mercury concentration (mg/kg) at trophic levels.
| Trophic Level | Mercury (mg/kg) |
|---|---|
| Phytoplankton | 0.05 |
| Zooplankton | 0.5 |
| Small Fish | 2.0 |
| Large Predatory Fish | 5.0 |
Which statement best explains the pattern shown?
Question 5
HLPaper 1A
What human action could have an impact on the whole biosphere?
Question 6
SLPaper 1B
Figure a shows the dominant mechanisms of microplastic (MP) transport in aquatic environments.
1.[2]
List the two main mechanisms responsible for the transport of microplastics in aquatic environments.
2.[2]
Based on Figure a, calculate the percentage contribution of all land-based sources combined:
- Agricultural and soil activities
- WWTP and sludge
- Mismanaged plastic waste
Show your working.
3.[2]
Figure b shows the distribution of plastic use by application between 2000-2019.
Use Figure b to identify one sector of plastic use most likely to contribute to:
(i) macroplastic ocean pollution
(ii) microplastic ocean pollution
Justify your choices.
4.[2]
Describe two possible effects of plastic pollution (either microplastic or macroplastic) on marine organisms.
5.[1]
Using the data in Figure c, evaluate the urgency for intervention by policymakers in addressing microplastic pollution by 2060.
Question 7
SLPaper 1B
Figure a) Amazon deforestation (in km2) per month in 2022 and 2023.
- Area in sq km lost in the first eight months of 2022 and 2023
Figure b): Percentage of Amazon rainforest area in each country (2012 data).
1.[2]
Calculate the percentage change in deforestation from July 2022 to July 2023. Show your working.
2.[1]
Use figure b) to calculate the approximate area of the Amazon rainforest in Peru. Show your working.
Note: Total Amazon area = 7.76 million
3.[2]
List two ecosystem features that support long-term rainforest stability.
4.[3]
Using both figures, predict how deforestation may reduce the long-term stability of the Amazon rainforest ecosystem.
Question 8
HLPaper 2
The fire ant (Solenopsis geminata) is an effective colonizer and has become invasive in a number of ecosystems.
Sometimes, efforts to eliminate this species have had an unexpected impact on community structure. It is argued that S. geminata can play a beneficial role in corn production.
The graph shows how the presence of S. geminata can impact insect diversity in areas where crops of corn are grown.
1.[1]
State the impact of S. geminata on insect species diversity.
2.[3]
Discuss whether S. geminata might play a positive role in corn production.
3.[2]
Researchers have argued that S. geminata is a keystone species in the corn agricultural system. Outline what is meant by a keystone species.
Question 9
HLPaper 1A
Which of the following best describes the term “rewilding”?
Question 10
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Explain what information a pyramid of energy provides about an ecological community.