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IB ESS SL 3.2 Human Impact on Biodiversity Questions

Practise IB ESS SL 3.2 by interpreting threat data, explaining biodiversity loss and evaluating invasive-species and conservation responses.

Syllabus
First assessment 2026
Course
ESS SL
Level
SL

Exam points

  • Extract Red List percentages and criteria to compare taxa or explain a status change.
  • Explain species vulnerability through range, life history, pollution, climate and exploitation.
  • Evaluate invasive-species removal or conservation intervention using ecological evidence.

Covered syllabus points

3.2.1—Threats to biodiversity3.2.2—Multiple human impacts3.2.3—Invasive alien species3.2.4—IUCN Red List3.2.5—Conservation status benefits3.2.6—Species case studies3.2.7—Tragedy of the commons

Question 1

[Maximum number: 2]
Figure: Photographs showing examples of species found in Brazil

Figure:Photographs showing examples of species found in Brazil

Golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) IUCN Red List status - endangered

Golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) IUCN Red List status - endangered

Figure for Question 1 — IB ESS SL
Figure for Question 1 — IB ESS SL
Brazilian merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) IUCN Red List status - Critically endangered

Brazilian merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) IUCN Red List status - Critically endangered

Giant metallic ceiba borer (Euchroma gigantea) IUCN Red List status - none, has not yet been assessed by the IUCN

Giant metallic ceiba borer (Euchroma gigantea) IUCN Red List status - none, has not yet been assessed by the IUCN

Figure: Deforestation in the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado

Figure:Deforestation in the Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado

Figure for Question 1 — IB ESS SL
Figure:Photographs showing examples of species found in Brazil

Parana pine: critically endangered. Golden lion tamarin: endangered. Broad-snouted caiman: least concern. Pau brasil: endangered. Brazilian merganser: critically endangered. Giant metallic ceiba borer: not yet assessed by the IUCN.

With reference to the species listed in Figure 4, identify two factors that may have contributed to their status given on the IUCN Red List.

Question 2

[Maximum number: 9]

The introduction of a species into an ecosystem could be considered a form of pollution. Discuss this statement.

Question 3

[Maximum number: 1]
Figure 2(c): Conservation status of indigenous species groups in New Zealand

Figure:Conservation status of indigenous species groups in New Zealand

With reference to Figure 2(c), identify the group of species most 'at risk of becoming threatened'.

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