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IB ESS SL 2.4.3 Biome Distribution Determinants Questions

Use temperature, rainfall, insolation and spatial data to explain biome distribution, vegetation and productivity.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • identify temperature, rainfall, insolation and other abiotic factors from biome, climate and map evidence
  • explain the distribution of a named biome by linking temperature, precipitation, hydrological conditions or atmospheric circulation to its location
  • compare named biomes using climate, abiotic conditions and resulting vegetation or biodiversity patterns
  • explain how abiotic conditions limit or support relative primary productivity and vegetation type
  • interpret spatial relationships in environmental data, such as altitude–cloud frequency or climate–vegetation patterns

Learn this topic

Study 2.4.3—Biome distribution determinants conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB ESS SL 2.4.3 Biome Distribution Determinants Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 2]
Climate data for Norilsk and Novosibirsk within the tundra and taiga biome respectively

Table:Climate data for Norilsk and Novosibirsk within the tundra and taiga biome respectively

Table: Climate data for Norilsk and Novosibirsk within the tundra and taiga biome respectively climate comparison
• Norilsk (tundra): colder annual temperatures and fewer sunshine hours, especially during the growing season.
• Novosibirsk (taiga): warmer temperatures and generally more sunshine hours during the growing season.
• Precipitation is broadly comparable, so temperature and sunshine are the relevant contrasts for primary productivity.

With reference to Table: Climate data for Norilsk and Novosibirsk within the tundra and taiga biome respectively, suggest two reasons why primary productivity is greater in the taiga than in the tundra.

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