IBBiologyHLExam QuestionsContinuity & ChangeStability & Change

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First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Stability & Change (HL IB Biology)

Exam Questions

30 mins10 questions

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Stability & Change

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11 mark

A simple aquatic mesocosm is shown below.

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Why is A an important component of the mesocosm?

  • A provides protection for the primary consumers from predators.

  • A converts heat energy to chemical energy.

  • A provides carbohydrates and oxygen to support the mesocosm.

  • A helps to maintain a stable temperature.

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2
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What is required for an ecosystem to be stable over an extended time period?

I.
An external supply of soil nutrients
II.
Genetic diversity
III.
An energy supply

  • I and II only

  • I and III only

  • II and III only

  • I, II and III

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3
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Which of the following statements about keystone species is correct?

  • Keystone species are always top predators.

  • Keystone species do not affect the diversity of their surrounding ecosystems.

  • The influence of a keystone species on its ecosystem is equivalent to that of any other species.

  • Removing a keystone species risks ecosystem collapse.

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11 mark

Which of the following considerations should be taken into account when building a mesocosm to test the impact of a particular environmental variable?

A Any type of container can be used No secondary consumers Inclusion of autotrophs Producers should be slow-growing
B Transparent container Food chains of up to three organisms can be included Inclusion of autotrophs Producers should be slow-growing
C Transparent container No secondary consumers Inclusion of autotrophs A control mesocosm should be built
D Transparent container

No secondary consumers

Inclusion of autotrophs

  Soil should be sterilised to prevent contamination

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    2
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    The stability of an ecosystem can be investigated using a mesocosm.

    What ethical guidelines should be followed when using animals in a mesocosm?

    I.
    Animals should be used in preference to alternative organisms.
    II.
    Enough food should be available for any animals present.
    III.
    Animals must be returned to their natural environment at the end of an investigation.

    • I and II only

    • II and III only

    • I and III only

    • I, II and III

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    1
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    Which of the following is not true about mesocosms?

    • Mesocosms allow the control of environmental conditions

    • Mesocosms allow collection of reliable data

    • Continuous data can be collected from a mesocosm

    • It is easy to mimic natural environmental conditions in a mesocosm

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