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IB ESS HL 2.5.5 Primary Succession Questions

Identify primary succession on bare substratum and explain how pioneers, weathering and nutrient accumulation develop soil and vegetation.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • identify primary succession when community development begins on newly exposed substratum with no pre-existing soil or community
  • explain how weathering, pioneer colonisation, nutrient addition, organic-matter accumulation and root stabilization allow soil and vegetation cover to develop on bare substratum

IB ESS HL 2.5.5 Primary Succession Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]
Figure 4(c): An example of a retreating glacier in the Swiss Alps, 1891 (left) and 2019 (right)

Figure:An example of a retreating glacier in the Swiss Alps, 1891 (left) and 2019 (right)

Figure 4(d): Average percent cover vegetation near a glacier

Figure:Average percent cover vegetation near a glacier

Describe the processes leading to the development of a pioneer community as the glacier retreats, as shown in Figures 4(c) and 4(d).

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