IB ESS HL 1.2.1 Systems Definition Questions
Practise IB ESS HL 1.2.1 by analysing how interacting woodland components, system exchanges and feedback combine to produce a functional whole.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- Define a system as interacting or interdependent components organized into a functional whole.
- Analyze woodland components through relationships, transfers, transformations and open-system exchanges.
- Evaluate how feedback between tree-community processes can regulate equilibrium.
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IB ESS HL 1.2.1 Systems Definition Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 7]
Explain how a community of trees in a woodland may be considered a system.
A community of trees in a woodland has the following features of a system: individuals/species of trees are the components of the system;
these components are interrelated/interdependent/form an integrated whole;
eg may regulate populations through competition / contribute to succession of community;
it has flows/transfers of matter/energy between components/storages;
eg leaf fall may provide nutrients through decomposition to other trees / pollination/genes/food storage in seeds / glucose is transported from leaves around tree;
components carry out processes/transformations;
eg photosynthesis/respiration/growth;
it is an open system exchanging matter and energy with surroundings;
eg absorption of solar energy / provision of nutrients for non-tree species (NB mark for either example of matter or energy, not both);
it has feedback mechanisms to maintain equilibrium/balanced inputs and outputs;
eg more seed production → more competition between seedlings → fewer viable offspring / death of trees → more light entering canopy → more tree growth;
Marking guidance:
Award [1] for each correct suggestion, up to [7 max].
Award [4 max] for identifying relevant generic features of system (given above) and [4 max] for examples of these within a tree community (beware of responses that are looking at entire woodland ecosystem as a system rather than the tree community alone). Credit alternative examples of equivalent validity/relevance and detail.
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