IB ESS HL 2.1.28 Fundamental and Realized Niches Question Bank
Distinguish the potential conditions of a fundamental niche from the realized niche shaped by competition and adaptation.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- define the HL ecological concept precisely
- compare potential and actual conditions or reproductive strategies
- apply evidence from competition, adaptation or life-history traits
2.1.28 (HL)—Fundamental and realized niches question 1
FigureA:Round goby
FigureB:Mottled sculpin
Figure:Fact file on the round goby
- Figure: Mottled sculpin: Fact file on the round goby
- Round goby is invasive, first discovered in the St Lawrence River in 1990.
- Females lay eggs three times a year, up to 5000 eggs each time, and young fish mature quickly.
- Round goby can eat up to 4000 eggs of other fish in 15 minutes, defend egg-laying sites, out-compete mottled sculpin, eat zebra mussels, and are eaten by native fish.
With reference to Figure: Mottled sculpin, explain why the realized niche of the mottled sculpin has changed in recent years.
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