IB ESS HL 1.2.13 Models Questions
Practise HL questions by evaluating how population, energy-flow, conservation and productivity models simplify systems and support predictions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- Analyse how population models inform planning, policy and resource management.
- Evaluate quantitative energy and matter models when judging sustainability in named food systems.
- Assess ecosystem models for conservation through food webs, flows, biodiversity and species needs.
- Critique productivity pyramids using prediction, comparison, data accuracy and simplification limits.
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IB ESS HL 1.2.13 Models Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 7]
Explain how models of ecosystems might be used in species conservation.
Notes: Award [2 max] for valid named examples of ecosystem models eg. food chains / webs / pyramids / systems diagrams / flow charts / aquaria / zoos / microcosms / biodiversity indices / computer programmes / mathematical models.
Credit can be given for any of the following ways in which models may assist conservation:
i. models of ecosystems can give holistic perspective on conservation;
ii. flows of energy and matter / box-and-arrow models can be used to identify key storages/processes for conservation;
iii. modelling may consider biodiversity measures to help in evaluating conservation;
iv. measures of genetic diversity help to determine breeding plans for species conservation;
v. physical models can help in studying abiotic needs of a species;
vi. modelling feeding interactions / predator-prey interactions allows conservationists to determine the needs of species;
vii. modelling feeding interactions can demonstrate possible trophic cascades and provide information about benefits of conservation;
viii. modelling biotic interactions can help identify potential threats/essential interactions to the conservation of a species;
ix. modelling energy/matter flows helps determine habitat needs/area for a species;
x. modelling is likely to be used in combination with field observations/community needs;
xi. modelling may miss emergent properties of a system and therefore not help in species conservation;
xii. modelling may not take account of human activities / unpredictable events;
xiii. modelling may not take account of rare events, such as natural disasters;
xiv. mathematical modelling may quantify population dynamics;
xv. ...thus allow predictions on probability of extinction/recovery;
xvi. microcosm may study effects of disturbance on species;
xvii. single species models may be too simplistic and fail to predict actual behaviour of ecosystem
xviii. zoos can be designed to reflect the specific features of an endangered species niche;
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