IB ESS SL 2.1.6 Distribution Factors Question Bank
Explain how abiotic and biotic factors determine where a species can live.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS SL
- Level
- SL
Explain how abiotic and biotic factors determine where a species can live.

Figure:Four species of the family Leporidae

Figure:A dichotomous key for species A to D

Figure:Sagebrush ecosystem without invasive cheatgrass

Figure:Sagebrush ecosystem with invasive cheatgrass
The family Leporidae includes hares and rabbits. The figures show four species that can be found in western North America.
The sagebrush ecosystem provides a habitat for pygmy rabbits. Suggest one reason why there might be a greater number of pygmy rabbits in the ecosystem shown in Figure: Sagebrush ecosystem without invasive cheatgrass than in the ecosystem shown in Figure: Sagebrush ecosystem with invasive cheatgrass.
a. wider variety of food/increased amount of food sources;
b. more cover from predators;
c. easier to dig down because of root systems/less compaction;