IB ESS Topic 3 Study Sheet

Explain why the Giant Panda is used as a: (i) Flagship species. (ii) Umbrella species.

(i) One mark per bullet point. (2 max) The Giant Panda is used as a symbol of conservation because it is appealing/attractive/cute/has endearing characteristics to the public. Action to improve conservation of the Panda can also benefit the whole ecos (ii) One mark per bullet point. (2 max) (An umbrella species is a species that indirectly protects other species when it is protected) The Giant Panda is a large species that requires a large habitat area. Protecting the Giant Panda involves protecting the habitat/area which other species also dependent on.

Distinguish between mass extinction and background extinction

(i) The command term "distinguish" means you have to make the differences clear. Two definitions will get you one mark, bringing out the differences gets two marks: Background extinction is the normal rate at which species go extinct and it varies between taxa. Mass extinction on the other hand is the sudden global decrease in a number of species over a short period of time. Background is slow and steady, mass extinction is fast and widespread.

List the two types of isolation that can cause speciation

(ii) The command term "list" is just that a list with no explanation needed. One mark for two correct terms, no half marks. * Geographic isolation/movement of tectonic plates. * Temporal isolation. * Behavioural isolation.

List four reasons why we should protect and maintain biodiversity

* It is morally right to protect biodiversity. * Humans benefit financially from biodiversity e.g. timber/agricultural food crops/medicines and pharmaceutical drugs/clothes. * Global ecosystems provide services. e.g. climate regulation/balance of atmospheric gases/clean air/water cycle/soil formation. * Natural areas allow us to get away from city life and work and to take a break/contribute to human well-being. * Biodiversity maintains genetic diversity. * Research and educational opportunities e.g Tropical rainforests. * Humans are part of the web of life if we damage part of that web then it is eventually going to effect our lives.

Define biodiversity hotspot

* It must have at least 1,500 vascular plants as endemics/it must have a high percentage of plant life found nowhere else on the planet. * It must have 30% or less of its original natural vegetation/biodiversity must be under threat.

List two of the major causes of the big five mass extinctions

Global volcanic activity. Meteorite impacts. Large scale glaciation.

Explain why Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot

Madagascar is an Island in which speciation has occurred/endemic species have evolved resulting in high biodiversity. There is the presence of climax communities contributing to high biodiversity. High insolation and high rainfall lead to high levels of primary productivity that support high biodiversity. Tropical rain forests on the island provide a variety of different niches supporting a diverse range of species/the layered nature of the tropical rain forest causes high habitat diversity. Rainforest /habitats are under threat from human activity e.g. logging/expansion of agriculture land.

Many authorities say we are now in the middle of the sixth mass extinction "The Holocene mass extinction". Explain what is considered to be responsible for the this extinction.

The command term "explain" means you must give a detailed account including causes. One mark for the cause and one for one of the reason behind that cause: (2 max) Cause: Humans. Explanation:Over hunting/over fishing - is killing off species.Habitat destruction - there is nowhere left for species to live.Pollution - species can not tolerate the pollutants.Global warming - causing loss of habitat/temperatures too high for some species.Taking organisms food supply - no fish left for seals.

Define Speciation

Speciation is the formation of a new species through biological processes when a species gets separated weather it is through physical isolation or behavioral isolation

Define the term biodiversity

The command term "define" needs a precise definition. The term biodiversity has two elements - the variety of and the types diversity. Both are needed to gain two marks. Biodiversity is the variety of all life on earth. (1 mark) It includes genetic diversity, species diversity and habitat diversity. (1 mark)

Describe and explain the distribution of relative diversity shown in Figure 1

The command term "describe" requires a detailed account. One mark for each statement of distribution with an appropriate explanation (3 max): Mark scheme for distribution and explanation of biodiversity. Distribution - Explanation Highest diversity (above 60%) is in the tropics/around the equator/between -30 and +30.Favourable growing conditions for plants.Fewer limiting factors.Plentiful precipitation, high insolation/sunlight and suitable temperatures.High diversity of plants increases the number of habitats, food, water and shelter for animals.Lowest diversity (below 20%) in the far north.Many limiting factors.Too cold, lack of water, low insolation/sunlight.Low diversity (below 20%) in continental interiors/deserts.Many limiting factors.May be too cold/hot, lack of water, low insolation/sunlight.Moderate diversity (between 20 and 60%) in the northern hemisphere is in the mid latitudes.Climate is equable.Not too hot or too cold, enough water and sunlight for plants to grow.

Explain three ways in which plate activity may cause speciation.

The command term "explain" means you must give a detailed account, including reasons or causes. One mark for each clearly explained point. (3 max) * Volcanic activity/plate movement forms mountains which separate populations. * Volcanic activity/plate movement makes land bridges allowing part of the population to migrate to new areas and become separated. * Volcanic activity may create oceanic islands where populations of organisms migrate and become separated from the original population. * Plate movement may physically split landmasses and the ecosystems on them - separating the organisms.

(ii) Species diversity, genetic diversity and habitat diversity are interlinked. Explain the link between the different types of diversity. (3)

The command term "explain" means you must give a detailed account, including reasons. One mark for any of the following: (3 max) If there is high habitat diversity there different areas for populations of species to spread into resulting in high species diversity. High habitat diversity means species evolve to occupy niches and there is greater gene variation. High genetic diversity increases species adaptability and can lead to speciation and thus higher species diversity. High species diversity of plants means higher habitat diversity - plants are habitats for many species.

The Giant Panda is categorized as 'endangered' by the IUCN Red List. Identify two factors that contribute to this categorization.

The command term "identify" means you need to provide an answer from a number of possibilities. One mark per bullet point. (2 max) Population size/number of mature individuals which affects the opportunity of successful breeding. Area of occupancy where the species is found. Extent of occurrence, the boundary around the sites the species is found. Extent of habitat fragmentation in which the population may become isolated and not have critical numbers required for successful reproduction. Quality of habitat that can affect food and water resources and therefore affect survival and success of the species. Probability of extinction is the likelihood of the species dying out in the wild.

Suggest reasons for the change in Giant Panda numbers from 1988 to 2014.

The command term "suggest" means you need to propose a possible answer. One mark per bullet point. (3 max) Restoration of natural habitat. Creation of protected areas to help conserve habitat required for Giant Panda survival. Development of wildlife corridors between population groups. Legislation/ban on hunting of pandas (e.g. for pet trade or fur). Control of trading in Giant Pandas or their parts via CITES. Increased awareness/knowledge of Giant Panda and associated habitat degradation. Increased financial funds invested into Giant Panda conservation. Use of ex-situ conservation (e.g. zoos) to enhance species numbers and re-introduce species back into the wild.

With reference to named examples, to what extent have species conservation strategies helped to reduce biodiversity loss?

This component is marked using markbands that are described within the IB Environmental Systems and Societies guide. You should be aiming to provide a holistic and coherent response that demonstrates detailed knowledge and understanding supported with relevant examples. For this question you need to consider the pros and cons of species conservation strategies and provide a clearly stated conclusion. Each species conservation strategy covered should be supported with evidence from a case study you have studied. Tip Give examples of different strategies used in species conservation. These could include in-situ approaches that use legislation and ex-situ approaches such as the use of zoos and breeding programs. You should cover: The cause of population decline. How these threats are being addressed i.e. the strategy being used. Pros of species conservation strategy being used. Cons of species conservation strategy including continuing threats. The conclusion supported by evidence.

Explain how the process of succession affects gross primary productivity (GPP), net primary productivity (NPP) and biodiversity in an area.

You need to give a detailed account of how and why GPP, NPP and biodiversity changes through the process of succession. 1 mark for each of the following points (maximum of 7 marks): Early stages of succession are limited to a few species/pioneer communities/r-strategists that are adapted to the harsh environmental conditions hence have low biodiversity;Due to the unfavourable conditions during early succession and low density of producers the gross primary productivity is low;Energy lost through respiration in early succession is low which results in high net primary productivity (overall increase in biomass);The early/pioneer species gradually change the environmental conditions e.g. when they die they decompose, adding organic matter to the regolith and contributing to soil formation which allows a wider range of species to survive (including K-strategists and consumers) and biodiversity increases;Over time the vegetation community becomes more complex and provides greater habitat diversity that leads to increased species diversity and genetic diversity thus contributing to the overall biodiversity;When a climax community (steady state equilibrium) is established the maximum biodiversity is attained;In the later stages of succession/in a climax community the large amounts of vegetation results in high gross primary productivity;Respiration is high within a climax community leading to net productivity approaching 0 (productivity : respiration ratio approaches 1) Examiner Tip Go through the process of succession step by step in a coherent manner, starting with early stages of succession and finish with late stages of succession and associated climax community. Ensure you link each main stage to its effect on GPP, NPP and biodiversity.

Distinguish between keystone and flagship species.

You need to give the meaning of both keystone species and flagship species and how they differ from each other. 1 mark for each of the following points (maximum of 4 marks): Keystone species plays an essential role through the foodweb within the ecosystem; Loss of keystone species can have a detrimental knock on effect on other species/can lead to demise of other species;E.g. Sea otter is a keystone species that feeds on sea urchins, thereby controlling its population and preventing it from consuming the plant species (kelp) that is essential for the survival of the seagrass habitat; Whereas Flagship species are species that are used as symbols of conservation (e.g. World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WFF) uses the Giant Panda);Flagship species are typically large, charismatic animals;Action taken to improve survival of flagship species can benefit the whole community; Examiner Tip The use of examples can help to explain the differences between the role of keystone species and flagship species.

Calculate the percentage change in Giant Panda numbers between 2004 and 2014. Year counted-Panda numbers 1974-772,459 1985-881,114 2004-1,596 2014 - 1864

c) The command term "calculate" means you must obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages of working. Population size in 2014: 1,864 Population size in 2004: 1,596 Percentage change in population size = (1,864-1,596)/1,596 × 100 = 16.79%/16.8%/17%). (1 max)

In recent years, Madagascar has increased the amount of protected areas. Describe which aspects should be considered in the design of a protected area to increase its chances of success.

c) The command term "describe" requires a detailed account. One mark per bullet point. (4 max) Reduce amount of edge to area ratio as much as possible e.g. a circular-shaped protected area is more desirable to reduce edge effect. The edge effect is reduced with a larger protected area. Aim for the largest protected area possible because the larger it is the more ecosystems, habitats, and species it can support. Often larger species favour larger areas that support greater amounts of resources such as food and water. Specific migratory routes should be considered in the design of the protected area. Incorporate wildlife corridors between protected areas that allow migration to occur/wildlife corridors can reduce the isolation of populations. If possible avoid proximity of protected areas to human settlements. Incorporate a buffer zone to reduce the impact from humans. Involve local people (with their knowledge of the area) in the design and management of the protected area.