1a1 mark
State the first law of thermodynamics.
1b1 mark
State the other term or name used for the first law of thermodynamics.
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Energy & Equilibria (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL)
Exam Questions
44 mins10 questions21 mark
Define the term entropy.
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32 marks
Below are two examples of stable equilibria.
Identify the name of each type of stable equilibrium.
i)
ii)
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41 mark
When a population is exposed to a disease, some individuals will be more resistant to the disease than others. Those individuals who are more resistant to the disease will be more likely to survive and reproduce. This will lead to an increase in the proportion of resistant individuals in the population. As the proportion of resistant individuals in the population increases, the disease will have a harder time spreading. This is because there are fewer susceptible individuals for the disease to infect. This will lead to a decrease in the prevalence of the disease in the population.
Identify the type of feedback being demonstrated in this example.
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1a4 marks
Outline how various factors influence the resilience of an ecosystem.
1b2 marks
Explain how larger populations can affect ecosystem resilience.
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2a2 marks
Explain the term ecological tipping point.
2b4 marks
Explain the role of feedback loops in the dynamics of alternate stable states and the occurrence of tipping points between them.
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3a2 marks
Describe how the first law of thermodynamics is demonstrated in the figure below, as solar energy flows through the primary producers.
3b2 marks
Explain how the second law of thermodynamics applies to the food chain shown in the figure in part (a).
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4a3 marks
Explain how naturally occurring stratospheric ozone destruction and reformation is an example of negative feedback.
4b3 marks
Complete the diagram to show how a positive feedback process involving melting sea ice may affect the rate of global warming.
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17 marks
The population growth of decomposer organisms living in soils is influenced by feedback mechanisms.
Explain how.
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29 marks
Discuss the extent to which human societies have destabilised ecological systems.
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