IB Biology HL 4.1.18 Allelopathy and competition Question Bank
Practise IB Biology HL 4.1.18 by explaining how named plants use allelopathy to suppress competitors.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology HL
- Level
- HL
Practise IB Biology HL 4.1.18 by explaining how named plants use allelopathy to suppress competitors.
The image shows mycorrhizal fungi growing between the cells of a recently germinated orchid plant.

Explain how a named plant can reduce competition by allelopathy.
a. allelopathy uses secondary metabolites/chemicals/allelopathic agents to impact other (nearby) plants;
b. named plant with action;
c. prevents germination/growth/reproduction of other plants / is toxic to other plants / other verified result;
d. increases the resources (soil/water/sunlight/etc.) available for growth/survival/reproduction;
e. may impact plant community structure / become invasive;
Question asks for a named example.
Marking guidance:
Maximum of 2 marks if an example is not given.
3
max