Practice 3.3 Threats to 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.[3]
Explain how habitat fragmentation can lead to biodiversity loss.
Question 2
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 3
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe two ways in which the wildlife trade threatens biodiversity.
Question 4
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[3]
Define the term "biodiversity loss" and explain its three main levels.
Question 5
SL & HLPaper 2
Explain how the following factors can make island species particularly vulnerable to extinction:
1.[2]
Small population size
2.[2]
Limited genetic diversity
Question 6
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[3]
Explain the concept of the "extinction debt" and its implications for conservation.
Question 7
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.
Question 8
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Describe four major threats to biodiversity.
Question 9
SL & HLPaper 2
1.[3]
Explain how overexploitation can lead to the extinction of a species. Provide an example.
Question 10
SLPaper 2
1.[4]
Explain how feedback loops are involved in alternate stable states and the tipping points between them.
2.[7]
Earth’s atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide reached 400 ppm in 2016. Outline the potential impacts of high levels of greenhouse gases on human societies in different locations.
3.[9]
Discuss the consequences of changing global per capita meat consumption on the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.