Solved: Outline two ecosystem services in a named biome. Explain the causes, and the... [IB Environmental systems and societies (ESS)]

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Question

SLPaper 2

Outline two ecosystem services in a named biome.

[4]

Verified

Solution

Tundra

Permafrost/glaciers in tundra provide important storage in hydrological cycle 1 mark
Ice in tundra provides reflective surface/increases planetary albedo, thus moderating global temperatures 1 mark

Wetlands

Decomposers/high productivity in swamps/wetlands provides filtration of inorganic nutrients / water purification 1 mark
Storage of water in wetlands prevents flooding / provides ideal resting grounds for migratory birds 1 mark

Tropical rainforests

High biodiversity in tropical rainforests promotes ecotourism/recreation 1 mark
High rate of photosynthesis in tropical rainforests maintains balance of O2/CO2 in atmosphere 1 mark

Boreal/temperate forests

Tree populations in boreal/temperate forests prevent soil erosion on mountainsides 1 mark
Forest canopies in forests provide shade/shelter/habitat for diversity of species 1 mark

Note

Be careful only to credit "services" (maintenance/establishment of favourable conditions) and not "goods" (consumable/harvestable/physical products).

Note

Award [2 max] if no biome is identified. If more than one biome is given, credit only highest scoring biome addressed.

Explain the causes, and the possible consequences, of the loss of a named critically endangered species.

[7]

Verified

Solution

Causes 3 max

Habitat loss / deforestation
Habitat degradation / pollution
Narrowly distributed / endemic
Poaching / overhunting
Illegal trafficking of species
Disease
Small population size/gene pool / inbreeding
Specialised niche
Slow reproduction rate / specialised reproductive behaviour
High trophic level/top predator
Low/negative cultural value
Influence/competition/predation from invasive species

Consequences 3 max

Loss of an aesthetically attractive organism
Loss of ethically significant life / breach of biorights
Loss of biodiversity
Increase in organisms upon which the species fed or competed with
Decline in other organisms due to loss of food source
If keystone species, widespread impacts/cascade effects on food chains/ecosystem
Economic costs from loss of ecosystem services provided by the species
Economic costs from loss of tourism opportunities
Social impacts on local culture as important/significant cultural loss

Note

Max. 4 marks without explaination

Using examples, discuss whether habitat conservation is more successful than a species-based approach to protecting threatened species.

[9]

Verified

Solution

Answers may include:

Habitat conservation aims to protect entire ecosystems and the various species within them, while a species-based approach focuses on specific threatened species.
Protects multiple species and their interactions within an ecosystem
Addresses root causes of biodiversity loss like habitat destruction and fragmentation
Maintains ecosystem services like water purification, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation
Examples: Establishing protected areas, restoring degraded habitats, sustainable forestry practices
Targets critically endangered species at high risk of extinction
Allows for focused efforts on specific species' needs and threats
Examples: Captive breeding programs, reintroduction efforts, anti-poaching measures

Marks	Level descriptor
0	The response does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below and is not relevant to the question.
1–3	The response contains:• minimal evidence of knowledge and understanding of ESS issues or concepts • fragmented knowledge statements poorly linked to the context of the question • some appropriate use of ESS terminology • no examples where required, or examples with insufficient explanation/relevance • superficial analysis that amounts to no more than a list of facts/ideas • judgments/conclusions that are vague or not supported by evidence/argument.
4–6	The response contains: • some evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of ESS issues and concepts • knowledge statements effectively linked to the context of the question • largely appropriate use of ESS terminology • some use of relevant examples where required, but with limited explanation • clear analysis that shows a degree of balance • some clear judgments/conclusions, supported by limited evidence/arguments.
7–9	The response contains: • substantial evidence of sound knowledge and understanding of ESS issues and concepts • a wide breadth of knowledge statements effectively linked with each other, and to the context of the question • consistently appropriate and precise use of ESS terminology • effective use of pertinent, well-explained examples, where required, showing some originality • thorough, well-balanced, insightful analysis • explicit judgments/conclusions that are well-supported by evidence/arguments and that include some critical reflection.

Environmental systems and societies (ESS) International Baccalaureate (IB) Practice Question: 1. Outline two ecosystem services in a named biome. 2. Explain the causes, and the possible consequences, of the loss o...

Tropical rainforests

Boreal/temperate forests

Causes 3 max

Consequences 3 max