IB ESS SL 3.1.3 Biodiversity from Evolution Question Bank

Natural factor [4 max]:
(Extinction)
a. mass extinctions of the past/local extinctions caused by various natural factors, have (temporarily) reduced biodiversity;
b. e.g. tectonic plate activity / super-volcanic eruption;
c. e.g. climatic changes (including drought and ice ages);
d. e.g. meteorite impacts;

(Evolution)
e. Evolution is a natural factor that has led to increased biodiversity;
f. Mutation leads to increases in genetic diversity;
g. Natural selection may lead to some reduction in genetic diversity;
h. Speciation has led to increased species diversity;
i. Adaptive radiation has led to increased speciation/genetic diversity;

Human caused factor [4 max]:
(Extinction)
j. human activity is considered to be causing a sixth mass extinction; k. e.g. habitat destruction/deforestation/urbanisation;
I. e.g. pollution of freshwater water bodies/oceans/soils/atmosphere/leading to climate change/associated environmental hazards;
m. e.g. over-exploitation of resources/overfishing/hunting/intensive agriculture;
(Conservation)
n. conservation/restoration of ecosystems has led to increased biodiversity; o. e.g. establishment of national parks/nature reserves etc.; p. e.g. ex situ conservation/zoos/plantations/seed banks reduce loss of biodiversity; q. e.g. legislation/trade agreements protecting species e.g. CITES/fishing quotas/endangered species act;