IB ESS HL 3.1.10 Hl Sources of Genetic Diversity Questions
Analyse mutation, recombination and gene flow as sources of genetic diversity.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- identify mutation, migration, natural selection, human impacts and environmental change as causes of changing genetic diversity
- explain how mutation and migration can increase genetic diversity while selection, bottlenecks and population decline can reduce it
- explain why changes in genetic diversity affect population resilience and the ability to respond to disease or future environmental change
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IB ESS HL 3.1.10 Hl Sources of Genetic Diversity Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 4]
Identify four reasons why the genetic diversity of a population may change over time.
mutation may lead to new genotypes/increased diversity;
natural selection/survival of fittest may eliminate some genotypes/reduce diversity;
(human activities) eg pollution/hunting/habitat destruction/alien species may reduce population/diversity / lead to a bottleneck effect;
migration causing mixing of populations/subjection to new selective pressures;
climate change may eliminate certain genotypes/reduce diversity; ...or lead to evolution of new genotypes/increase diversity;
(tectonic activity may create) natural barriers leading to divergent evolution/speciation/greater diversity;
genetic drift/random loss of genes;
mixing of GMOs/selectively bred/farmed escapees introduces new genes to wild populations;
Marking guidance:
Accept any other reasonable suggestions.
Responses that identify relevant factors eg "mutation", but do not identify why/how this influences diversity should not gain full credit.
Award [1 max] for responses that list three valid factors without identifying how they influence diversity.
Award [2 max] for responses that identify four such factors.
Award [1] for each correct reason identified, up to [4 max].
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