IB ESS SL 3.1.3 Biodiversity From Evolution Questions
Connect evolutionary change and diversification to present biodiversity.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- explain how mutation and evolution can increase genetic and species diversity
- identify natural causes such as climate change, tectonic events or mass extinction that alter biodiversity
- identify human pressures that reduce biodiversity and distinguish their effects from natural evolutionary change
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IB ESS SL 3.1.3 Biodiversity From Evolution Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 7]
Explain one natural and one human-caused factor that influences changes in biodiversity.
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;
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