Unit 2: Ecosystems and Ecology
Topic 2.2: Communities and Ecosystems Questions
Practice 20 exam-style questions for IB ESS Topic 2.2. Review the question stems below, then unlock the full Question Bank to access markschemes, model answers, and AI grading.
1define4 marks
2026• vault
Define the term ecosystem and distinguish between biotic and abiotic components, giving examples of each.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question2define1 mark
2026• vault
Define the term open system.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question3state1 mark
2026• vault
State one characteristic of a keystone species in an ecosystem.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question4define1 mark
2026• vault
Define the term sustainability in the context of environmental systems.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question5define1 mark
2026• vault
Define the term resilience in the context of environmental systems.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question6define1 mark
2026• vault
Define the term community in environmental systems and societies.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question7define1 mark
2026• vault
Define the term ecosystem in environmental systems and societies.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question8calculate1 mark
2025• vault
Figure 3(b) shows carbon stored in seagrass in ecosystems with and without green sea turtles.
Calculate the difference between carbon stored in seagrass in the ecosystem with and without green sea turtles.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question9outline2 marks
2026• vault
Outline two examples of matter entering or leaving a forest ecosystem that show it is an open system.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question10identify2 marks
2025• vault
Figure 3(a) shows a simplified food web in a seagrass meadow ecosystem.
Using Figure 3(a), identify two organisms whose population would likely decline if tiger sharks were removed from the ecosystem. [2 marks]
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question11explain3 marks
2025• vault
Figure 3(a) shows a simplified food web in a seagrass meadow ecosystem.
Explain how a reduction in dugong numbers might lead to changes in the seagrass meadow food web. [3 marks]
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question12suggest2 marks
2026• vault
Suggest two features of a desert habitat that help a cactus survive.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question13explain5 marks
2026• vault
Table 1 shows a survey of two sites in a park. Use the information to answer parts (a) to (c).
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question14distinguish2 marks
2026• vault
Distinguish between sustainability and resilience using one named environmental example.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question15outline2 marks
2026• vault
Outline two ways high biodiversity can increase ecosystem resilience.
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question161 mark
What can happen if a keystone species is removed from an ecosystem?
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock Question171 mark
What is the difference between a community and an ecosystem?
Markscheme and model answer locked
Unlock QuestionReady to practice Topic 2.2?
Get instant AI feedback on your answers, view detailed markschemes, and track your progress across all IB ESS topics.
Start Practising Now