IB ESS HL 3.1.12 Biodiversity Hotspots Question Bank
Evaluate biodiversity hotspots as conservation priorities.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- identify the biodiversity or evolutionary process
- apply the correct diversity, selection or conservation concept
- justify the conclusion with evidence and ecological reasoning
3.1.12 (HL)—Biodiversity hotspots question 1
[Maximum number: 3]
Explain why Ecuador supports a high level of biodiversity.
Explain why Ecuador supports a high level of biodiversity.
a. Wide variation in topography/altitude allows for range of ecosystems/habitats/ecological niches;
b. Variation in climatic conditions leads to a range of ecosystems/habitats/ecological niches;
c. Wide range of biomes/ecosystems/habitats (e.g. marine and terrestrial) lead to high levels of biodiversity/large number of species;
d. Wide range of biomes/ecosystems/habitats allows for wide variety of ecological niches;
e. Geographical isolation (e.g. due to mountains) in Ecuador limits competition from non
native species (and preserves high biodiversity);
f. Geographical isolation leads to speciation and increased diversity;
g. Tropical location allows for high levels of precipitation/insolation/warm temperatures leading to high levels of primary productivity/photosynthesis (that supports high biodiversity);
Note to examiners: Do not accept only "wide range of biomes/ecosystems/habitats" without direct reference to high biodiversity.
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