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IB ESS HL 2.1.28 Hl Fundamental and Realized Niches Questions

Prepare for IB ESS HL 2.1.28 by explaining how competition, resources, habitat and adaptations distinguish a species’ fundamental niche from its realized niche.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • explain a realized niche as actual conditions shaped by competition, resource limits, habitat use and adaptation
  • compare realized niches using differences in habitat, food, nesting sites and elevation from species evidence
  • apply competition, sociality, habitat flexibility and resource breadth to explain different population recovery

Learn this topic

Study 2.1.28 (HL)—Fundamental and realized niches conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB ESS HL 2.1.28 Hl Fundamental and Realized Niches Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 3]
Mottled sculpin

FigureA:Round goby

Mottled sculpin

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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