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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
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing13%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2024
Most common paperPaper3
Typical marks2–3

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 2024Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ217[ 4 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
May 2024Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ213(a)[ 3 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
May 2023Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ21(a)[ 2 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
November 2019Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ015(b)(ii)[ 2 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
November 2019Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ015(b)(i)[ 1 ]C4.1.13—Endemic vs. invasive species
Practice this objective

Coverage 2010–2024 · 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 SL