IB ESS SL 2.2.16 Biomass Measurement Question Bank
Use biomass measurements to compare standing crop and energy available at trophic levels.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- identify the ecological process or energy relationship
- apply the correct thermodynamic, productivity or trophic concept
- justify the conclusion from evidence and system boundary
2.2.16—Biomass measurement question 1
[Maximum number: 3]
Describe how biomass data from a named biome could be collected.
Named biome: tundra/tropical rainforest/desert. [2 max] if no biome is named.
large quadrats to include largest vegetation of area; stratified sampling so all ecosystems in the biome are sampled / use of random sampling method;
capture and take mass of all organisms in quadrat; take wet mass and convert to dry mass using representative data if available; dry samples to obtain biomass;
use average calculated value of biomass per quadrat to extrapolate to represent whole area;
samples taken at different seasons; representative samples are dug up for vegetation; use conversion tables to determine tree biomass/height and circumference data used; OWTTE
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