IB Biology SL 4.3.4 Climate Change in Arctic Ecosystems
Practise explaining how warming changes Arctic habitats, decomposition, sea ice and the survival of ice-dependent organisms.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Course
- Biology SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- Explain how warming changes sea ice, habitat space and decomposition in Arctic ecosystems.
- Link temperature rise to consequences for organisms using Arctic case-study evidence.
D4.3.4—Polar habitat changes question 1
[Maximum number: 6]
Aquatic and other environments are being affected by a global rise in temperature. Outline the consequences of this on arctic ecosystems.
a. warming results in melting (arctic/polar) ice (cap) / loss of ice habitats;
b. (warming) raises sea level / floods coastal areas / destroys coastal habitats;
c. (warming) of habitat would change species/flora/fauna that can be supported (named examples can be used);
d. decrease in size of population(s) / possible extinction of species;
e. temperate species move into area / arctic species adapt/move;
f. change in distribution of species/changes in migration patterns;
g. (ecological) changes will affect higher trophic levels/food webs/food chains;
h. increased rates of decomposition of detritus from (melting) permafrost;
i. increased success of pest species including pathogens;
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