IB ESS HL 2.4 Climate and Biomes Questions

Analyse climate and biome data, explain ecosystem patterns and evaluate ENSO and tropical-cyclone evidence.

Exam points

interpret climate graphs, maps and figures by calculating or comparing temperature and precipitation patterns and identifying the associated climate or biome
explain biome distribution and relative productivity by linking temperature, precipitation, insolation, atmospheric circulation and ocean heat transport
compare named biome categories using climate, vegetation, limiting factors, productivity, biodiversity and resilience evidence
explain or predict climate-driven movement of biome boundaries, species ranges or vegetation zones using latitude, altitude and climate-change evidence
distinguish tropical, temperate and polar climate regimes from seasonal precipitation and temperature evidence

Covered syllabus points

2.4.1—Climate vs. weather 2.4.2—Biome definition 2.4.3—Biome distribution determinants 2.4.4—Biome categories 2.4.5—Tricellular model 2.4.6—Ocean heat distribution 2.4.7—Global warming effects 2.4.8 (HL)—Climate type patterns 2.4.9 (HL)—Secondary influences 2.4.10 (HL)—ENSO cycle 2.4.11 (HL)—ENSO mechanisms 2.4.12 (HL)—Tropical cyclones 2.4.13 (HL)—Global warming and cyclones

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Study 2.4 Climate and biomes conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

[Maximum number: 3]

Figure:Mountain zones and climate in the Swiss Alps

(a)

Table:Vegetation found in each mountain zone

Using Figures: Mountain zones and climate in the Swiss Alps and Table: Vegetation found in each mountain zone, identify one type of vegetation found in Zermatt.

[ 1 ]

(b)

With reference to Figure: Mountain zones and climate in the Swiss Alps, distinguish between the climates of Montana and Zermatt.

[ 2 ]

a. Zermatt is wettest in the summer months of May, June, July and August / peak precipitation in Zermatt is in May / total precipitation per year in Zermatt is $590 \mathrm{~mm} /$ maximum precipitation in Zermatt is 70 mm ;
b. Montana is wet all year / peak precipitation in Montana is in December / total precipitation per year in Montana is $830 \mathrm{~mm} /$ maximum precipitation in Montana is about 99 mm ;
c. Montana is wetter than/has more precipitation (than Zermatt) / Zermatt has less precipitation/is drier(than Montana);
d. Temperatures range from approximately $-1 /-2^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ to $16 / 17^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ in Montana / highest mean monthly temperature is $16^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ in Montana;
e. Temperatures range from approximately $-3 /-4^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ to $14^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ in Zermatt / highest mean monthly temperature is $14^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ in Zermatt;
f. Temperatures are colder in Zermatt (than in Montana) / Montana is warmer (than Zermatt);

Note to examiners: reserve one mark for Montana and one mark for Zermatt. While comparison terms are encouraged, they are not mandatory for this question.

[Maximum number: 3]

(a)

Biome	Ecosystem	km^2	\%
Forest	Dry evergreen	15835	2.10
Forest	Deciduous	6735	0.90
Forest	Thicket	1900	0.25
Woodland	Miombo	294480	39.13
Woodland	Kalahari sand	84260	11.20
Woodland	Mopane	37010	4.92

Table:Coverage of ecosystems in Zambia

[ 3 ]

(i)

With reference to Table: Coverage of ecosystems in Zambia, state the most common ecosystem in Zambia.

[ 1 ]

(ii)

Table: Coverage of ecosystems in Zambia lists biomes and ecosystems in two different columns. Distinguish between a biome and an ecosystem.

[ 2 ]

[Maximum number: 2]

Figure:Main vegetation zones in Costa Rica

Figure:Average annual rainfall in Costa Rica

With reference to Figures: Main vegetation zones in Costa Rica, Average annual temperature in Costa Rica and Average annual rainfall in Costa Rica, identify the climatic conditions in lowland seasonal forest.

temperatures over $24^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ ;
rainfall between 1000 and $3000 \mathrm{~mm}($ eg $1501-2000 \mathrm{~mm})$ / rainfall below 2000/3000 mm;

Note: Do not accept only high/low annual rainfall or high annual temperatures. Do not accept only 'over $28^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ /up to $28^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ '.

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Covered syllabus points

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