Practice 2.4 Biomes, zonation and succession 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 1
Analyze the following diagram of a pond ecosystem:
1.[2]
Identify two distinct zones visible in the diagram.
2.[2]
Explain how one abiotic factor changes across these zones.
Question 2
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe the process of primary succession, including pioneer species and climax community.
Question 3
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe the process of secondary succession and how it differs from primary succession.
Question 4
SLPaper 1
Figure 1: Plant species present on two volcano slopes that erupted in the 1880s. Measurements taken in 1930, 1975 and 2015.
| Volcano | Latitude | Eruption date | Type of surface | Number of species (plants) recorded in three separate years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 | ||||
| Krakatau, Indonesia | 6 degrees south | 1883 | Ash and lava | 24 |
| Tarawera, New Zealand | 38 degrees south | 1886 | Lava | 2 |
1.[4]
Explain two reasons behind the differences in the number of plant species found.
2.[3]
Explain a method of measuring plant species abundance in volcanic areas.
Question 5
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[3]
Explain the concept of zonation in aquatic ecosystems.
Question 6
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe two examples of how human activities can disrupt natural succession processes.
Question 7
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[3]
Define the term "biome" and explain its key characteristics.
Question 8
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe the characteristics of the savanna biome.
Question 9
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe two adaptations of plants in the desert biome.
Question 10
SLPaper 1
Figure 1: Fact file on the round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
- An invasive species from Asia.
- First discovered in the St Lawrence River in 1990.
- Females lay eggs three times a year; up to 5000 eggs at a time.
- Young fish mature quickly.
- Can eat up to 4000 eggs of other fish in 15 minutes.
- Eat invasive zebra mussels.
- Eaten by native fish, such as lake trout and yellow perch.
- Aggressively defend the best egg-laying sites, out-competing the native mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdii).
Figure 2:The round goby and mottled sculpin
1.[1]
Using Figure 1 and 2, identify one feature of the round goby that shows it is an r-selected species.
2.[3]
With reference to Figure 1, outline how the round goby both positively and negatively affects the St Lawrence River ecosystem.
3.[3]
With reference to Figure 1, explain why the realized niche of the mottled sculpin has changed in recent years.