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C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species

Endemic versus invasive species explains how ecological evidence links organisms, resources and interactions to population size, distribution or community structure in a habitat.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
C4.1.13
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing10%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2023
Most common paperPaper3
Typical marks2–6

Common command terms

  • State
  • Discuss
  • Suggest
  • Identify
  • Outline
  • Describe
  • Explain
  • Evaluate
  • Define
  • Analyse

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Naming an alien species without explaining competition, predation, disease or biodiversity impact.

Recent exam appearances

November 2023Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ220[ 6 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
May 2023Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ116(a)[ 2 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
November 2020Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ015(c)[ 1 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
May 2019Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ214(c)[ 2 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
November 2018Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ013(d)[ 2 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
Practice this objective

Coverage 2014–2023 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Endemic versus invasive species must be linked to the correct ecological unit, method or species interaction.
  • The evidence for endemic versus invasive species depends on measurable abundance, distribution, survival or resource patterns.
  • Endemic versus invasive species is clearest when cause, ecological process and population outcome are kept distinct.
  • Field or graph evidence for endemic versus invasive species needs biological interpretation, not values alone.
ConceptIB Biology HL