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IB Biology SL D4.3.3 Boreal Forest Tipping Point Questions

Trace how warming, drought, fire, pests and snow or permafrost changes can destabilise boreal forests and increase tipping-point risk.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Biology SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Explain how warming increases transpiration, drought stress and water shortage in boreal forests, raising the risk of forest fires.
  • Explain how warming alters boreal ecosystems through pests, disease, competing species, permafrost or snow changes, causing tree mortality and habitat loss.

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Study D4.3.3—Boreal forest tipping point conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Biology SL D4.3.3 Boreal Forest Tipping Point Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Boreal forests stretch across Canada, Russia and Scandinavia. This northern ecosystem accounts for 29 % of the world's forest areas. The long, cold winters favour tall evergreen trees with either needles or scale-like leaves. These trees are wind-pollinated and their seeds are not enclosed in a fruit. The photograph shows a typical boreal forest in winter.

Figure for Question IB Biology SL D4.3.3 Boreal Forest Tipping Point Questions question 1 — IB Biology SL

An increase in global temperatures poses a critical threat to boreal forests. Explain the consequences of climate change to this northern ecosystem.

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