IB ESS SL 2.2.19 Microplastics Question Bank
Analyse how microplastics enter food webs, persist and affect organisms.
- 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
2.2.19—Microplastics question 1
Figure:Dead albatross chick with plastic garbage in stomach
Figure:Albatross and plastic impacts
- Figure: Albatross and plastic impacts: larger plastic pieces are taken in by fish, sea birds and animals, which may die of starvation.
- One study estimates around 1 million sea birds, including albatrosses, and 100000 animals are killed by ingestion of plastic or entanglement in plastic fishing nets.
- About half of all albatross species are endangered or critically endangered on the Red List.
Explain why albatross chicks may starve if they eat plastic.
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