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D4.1.4—Abiotic factors as selection pressures

Abiotic factors such as temperature, water availability, salinity, light and pH can act as selection pressures in evolving populations in evolving populations.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
D4.1.4
Level
SL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing1%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper2
Typical marks2

Common command terms

  • Outline
  • Explain

Recent exam appearances

May 2025Paper2 ["SL"] · TZ12(b)[ 2 ]D4.1.4—Abiotic factors as selection pressures
November 2011Paper3 ["SL"] · TZ0D1(c)[ 2 ]D4.1.4—Abiotic factors as selection pressures
Practice this objective

Coverage 2011–2025 · Updated 16 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Abiotic factors are non-living parts of the environment.
  • Abiotic selection pressures can change survival and reproductive success.
  • Heritable tolerance traits can become more common under persistent abiotic pressure.
ConceptIB Biology SL