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IB Biology SL C4.1.5 Carrying Capacity Questions

Use population-growth curves and ecological examples to identify carrying capacity, limiting resources and the plateau in population size in IB Biology SL C4.1.5.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Define carrying capacity as the maximum population size an environment can sustain, and explain how limited food, space, nesting sites or other resources cause growth to slow near that limit.
  • Interpret exponential-to-plateau or population data to identify carrying capacity and relate limiting factors, predation, disease, natality and mortality to fluctuations around it.

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Study C4.1.5—Carrying capacity conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Biology SL C4.1.5 Carrying Capacity Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

In 1789 Gilbert White, a naturalist, observed eight breeding pairs of swifts (Apus apus) in the English village of Selborne. On average, each pair of swifts produces two offspring per year. This would allow the population to rise to 1030 swifts over 200 years. A bird survey carried out in 1983 revealed only 12 breeding pairs in this village.

What could have prevented the numbers rising to 1030 ?

I. The number of nesting sites remained the same.
II. The food supply of the swifts remained constant.
III. Predatory birds in the area were exterminated.

A

I only

B

I and II only

C

II and III only

D

I, II and III

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