IB ESS SL 7.1 Natural Resources Uses and Management Questions

Practise IB ESS SL 7.1 by distinguishing natural capital from income, classifying resources and evaluating sustainable-use decisions.

Exam points

Distinguish natural capital stocks from natural income and ecosystem-service flows in a named case.
Classify renewable, replenishable and non-renewable resources and calculate sustainable yield or shares.
Explain how environmental, social, economic and technological change alters resource value and use.

Covered syllabus points

7.1.1—Natural resources definition 7.1.2—Natural capital 7.1.3—Natural income 7.1.4—"Natural capital" perspective 7.1.5—Ecosystem services 7.1.6—Resource classification 7.1.7—Natural capital value types 7.1.8—Dynamic natural capital value 7.1.9—Sustainable natural capital use 7.1.10—Resource security 7.1.11—Resource-use choices

[Maximum number: 1]

Figure:Fact file on Mindo cloud forest

Figure: Fact file on Mindo cloud forest
Only one third of Ecuador’s identified cloud forest sites are protected. The Mindo-Nambillo cloud forest reserve forms part of several protected areas across Ecuador. The Mindo cloud forest covers 268 km2 and is home to several indigenous subgroups of the Quichua people. The village of Mindo is west of the reserve and is known for chocolate made from locally grown cacao. Organizations work with local farmers to find alternatives to cattle ranching and with indigenous groups to develop more sustainable agricultural practices, reducing habitat destruction.

Outline how the cloud forest may provide a named example of natural income.

[Maximum number: 4]

Outline how the concept of sustainability can be applied to managing natural capital.

[Maximum number: 2]

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Siberian taiga context
• Taiga forest provides habitat, stores carbon, helps regulate climate and supplies timber.
• Deforestation can affect biodiversity, carbon storage and downstream/global systems.

(a)

Outline one ecological service provided by the Siberian taiga.

[ 1 ]

provides habitat for animals/birds;
(photosynthesis) acts as a carbon sink/absorbs $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ reducing greenhouse emissions;
(photosynthesis) releases $\mathrm{O}_{2}$ necessary for living organisms;
filters water / maintains water table;
cools/moistens climate through evapotranspiration / source of moisture for precipitation;
vegetation prevents soil erosion;
increases/maintains biodiversity (increasing/maintaining resilience of biosphere);
pollination of plants/crops;

Marking guidance:

Do not accept only 'photosynthesis.
Do not accept provision of goods eg timber/food.
Do not accept cultural, intrinsic or aesthetical benefits eg spiritual/tourism/recreation.
For credit response must focus on ecological service/function.

(b)

Figure:Total exports of timber (in units of thousand cubic metres) from Russia between 2012 and 2014

With reference to Figure: Total exports of timber (in units of thousand cubic metres) from Russia between 2012 and 2014, calculate the percentage of timber exports to China between the years 2012-2014.

[ 1 ]

$\left(\left(\frac{34962}{57690}\right) \times 100\right)=60.6 \% / 61 \%$ ;

Note: Units are not required for credit.

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Covered syllabus points

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question (a)

Question (b)