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IB Biology HL B4.1.5 Coral Reef Formation Conditions Questions

Explore how ocean temperature, acidification and calcium-carbonate chemistry shape coral cover and the formation of reef-building structures in IB Biology HL B4.1.5.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Interpret coral-cover data to evaluate how rising ocean temperature affects reef-building coral abundance and reef formation.
  • Explain how increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide lowers seawater pH, reduces carbonate availability or dissolves calcium carbonate, limiting reef construction.

IB Biology HL B4.1.5 Coral Reef Formation Conditions Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

Coral reefs are among the most spectacular ecosystems on Earth. They support a rich diversity of life and provide economic benefits to the people who use them. In Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean north of Australia the following data were collected. Coral cover is the percentage of the reef surface covered by live hard coral.

Figure for Question IB Biology HL B4.1.5 Coral Reef Formation Conditions Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL

Question (a)

(a)

Calculate the difference in coral cover in 1996 and 2002. No working required.
……\%

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Describe the evidence that the ocean temperature has an effect on coral cover.

[ 2 ]
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