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IB ESS SL 2.4 Climate and Biomes Questions

Interpret climate and biome data, compare environmental evidence and explain how climate change alters ecosystem distribution.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • interpret climate graphs, maps and figures by calculating or comparing temperature and precipitation patterns and identifying the associated climate or biome
  • explain biome distribution and relative productivity by linking temperature, precipitation, insolation, atmospheric circulation and ocean heat transport
  • compare named biome categories using climate, vegetation, limiting factors, productivity, biodiversity and resilience evidence
  • explain or predict climate-driven movement of biome boundaries, species ranges or vegetation zones using latitude, altitude and climate-change evidence

Covered syllabus points

2.4.1—Climate vs. weather2.4.2—Biome definition2.4.3—Biome distribution determinants2.4.4—Biome categories2.4.5—Tricellular model2.4.6—Ocean heat distribution2.4.7—Global warming effects

Learn this topic

Study 2.4 Climate and biomes conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

Question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

Question (a)

(a)
Fact file on Hokkaido

Figures:Fact file on Hokkaido and Climate graph for Sapporo, Hokkaido

Using the climate graph for Sapporo, state the annual temperature range for Sapporo.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)
World map showing location of Japan

Figure:World map showing location of Japan

Fact file on Hokkaido

Figures:Fact file on Hokkaido and Climate graph for Sapporo, Hokkaido

Elevation map of Hokkaido

Figure:Elevation map of Hokkaido

Using Figures: World map showing location of Japan, Climate graph for Sapporo, Hokkaido and Elevation map of Hokkaido, identify one terrestrial biome found on Hokkaido.

[ 1 ]

Question 2

[Maximum number: 1]

Define the term biome.

Question 3

[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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