IB Biology SL B4.1 Adaptation to Environment Question Bank

Practise IB Biology SL B4.1 by linking organism distribution and adaptations to abiotic limits, tolerance ranges, climate and biome conditions.

Exam points

identify abiotic variables and use data to relate them cautiously to species distribution
interpret optimum, stress and intolerance zones from a tolerance graph or environmental dataset
explain named structural, physiological or behavioural adaptations in desert, mangrove or rainforest contexts

Covered syllabus points

B4.1.1—Habitat definition B4.1.2—Adaptations to abiotic environment B4.1.3—Abiotic variables affecting distribution B4.1.4—Range of tolerance of limiting factor B4.1.5—Coral reef formation conditions B4.1.6—Terrestrial biome distribution B4.1.7—Biomes B4.1.8—Adaptations to hot deserts and tropical rainforest

[Maximum number: 2]

The distribution of native grasses in a temperate arid region of Mendoza, Argentina, was studied in six habitats (I to VI) at different altitudes. The table shows the presence (+) or absence (-) of the species in each habitat.

Table for Question B4.1 Adaptation to environment question 1 — IB Biology SL

(a)

Suggest one abiotic factor, other than altitude, that could be affecting the distribution of species in the different habitats.

[ 1 ]

(b)

Define habitat.

[ 1 ]

[Maximum number: 2]

The image shows a cast of the lower surface of a leaf from a busy Lizzie (Impatiens walleriana) plant as seen under a light microscope with a magnification of $600 \times$ .

Figure for Question B4.1 Adaptation to environment question 2 — IB Biology SL

Explain one feature of tree roots that help trees to survive in mangrove swamps.

[Maximum number: 2]

The tundra ecosystem in Finnish Lapland has a short growing season and a mean temperature of $-2.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ . It is also naturally grazed by herbivores such as reindeer (Rangifer tarandus). Different quadrats were set up to include and exclude the reindeer in both normal and warmed temperatures. Open-topped warming chambers were used to heat both the soil and air in the warmed quadrats. The graph shows the changes in plant richness over five years.

Figure for Question B4.1 Adaptation to environment question 3 — IB Biology SL

Identify two abiotic limiting factors on plant growth in a tundra ecosystem.

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Covered syllabus points

B4.1 Adaptation to environment question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)

B4.1 Adaptation to environment question 2

B4.1 Adaptation to environment question 3