ConceptConceptDocsDocuments

IB Biology SL 4.1.17 Top-down population control Question Bank

Practise IB Biology SL 4.1.17 by explaining how predator removal changes populations in a food web.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Predict how predator loss changes populations at different trophic levels.
  • Explain top-down control using a food-web example.

C4.1.17—Top-down vs. bottom-up control question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

Humans have persecuted predators such as coyotes (Canis latrans), causing severe reduction in the number of large carnivores throughout the world. The diagram represents part of a food web in Texas, USA.

Figure for Question C4.1.17—Top-down vs. bottom-up control question 1 — IB Biology SL

What is a possible outcome for the lagomorph population in this ecosystem if coyote numbers were controlled by killing them to reduce losses of domestic livestock?

A

Decrease because there are fewer predators

B

Increase because there are fewer foxes to eat them

C

Decrease because there are more rodents for foxes to eat

D

Increase because, although there are more foxes, there are also more rodents

All question bank results loaded