IB ESS SL 3.003.1 Preservation Justifications Question Bank
Evaluate ecological, economic, ethical and cultural reasons for preserving biodiversity.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- identify the conservation issue or strategy
- apply the relevant ecological, ethical or management framework
- evaluate evidence, trade-offs and likely outcomes
3.3.1—Preservation justifications question 1
Figure:Condor cape and Chumash traditional dance
Figure:Tourists watching condors on the Californian coast
Tejon Ranch is a 1000 km^2 home for California condors and an important biodiversity hotspot.
In 2008 the company agreed with environmental NGOs to preserve 90% of the property, including condor feeding grounds, while development could occur on the remaining 10%.
Figure:Fact file on the California condor
- Figure: Fact file on the California condor: California condors are scavengers and eat large amounts of carrion.
- They are among the world's rarest birds; 2012 counts estimated 405 total, including 226 wild and 179 captive.
- They are critically endangered and may travel up to 250 km in search of carrion.
- They mature and reproduce slowly, breeding at 6-8 years old and laying only one egg every two years.
- They are significant to many Californian Native American groups and traditional myths.
Figure:Chumash cultural relationship with condors
- Figure: Chumash cultural relationship with condors: Chumash people historically lived in central and southern coastal California; their descendants still live there.
- Old cave paintings show people wearing condor feathers for ceremonies and dances.
- Condors were once sacrificed during rituals; a legend says if the condor becomes extinct, so too will the Chumash.
Identify two arguments for the conservation of California condors.
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