IB Biology HL C1.3.7 Limiting Factors Investigation Questions

Vary light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration or temperature to investigate limiting factors, then measure photosynthesis rate using oxygen production or carbon dioxide uptake.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Interpret photosynthesis data or curves to identify whether light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration or temperature is limiting the rate.
  • Describe controlled investigations that vary one factor and estimate photosynthesis rate from oxygen production or carbon dioxide uptake.
  • Explain how temperature changes photosynthesis rate, using enzyme activity evidence where relevant.

IB Biology HL C1.3.7 Limiting Factors Investigation Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Boreal forests stretch across Canada, Russia and Scandinavia. This northern ecosystem accounts for 29 % of the world's forest areas. The long, cold winters favour tall evergreen trees with either needles or scale-like leaves. These trees are wind-pollinated and their seeds are not enclosed in a fruit. The photograph shows a typical boreal forest in winter.

Figure for Question IB Biology HL C1.3.7 Limiting Factors Investigation Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL

The boreal forests are situated close to the north pole and even in summer the intensity of sunlight is lower than at the equator. Sketch a graph showing the effect of light on the rate of photosynthesis, labelling the axes.

Figure for Question IB Biology HL C1.3.7 Limiting Factors Investigation Questions question 1 — IB Biology HL
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