Unit 3: Biodiversity, Conservation and Change
Topic 3.3: Threats to Biodiversity Questions
Practice 20 exam-style questions for IB ESS Topic 3.3. Review the question stems below, then unlock the full Question Bank to access markschemes, model answers, and AI grading.
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A critically endangered bird has fewer than 30 individuals left. The wetland it depends on is polluted and nesting sites are being destroyed. Identify the most appropriate immediate strategy.
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Identify whether creating a protected area is an in situ or ex situ conservation strategy.
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Outline one ecosystem service that a forest provides which could be supported by a PES scheme.
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A farmer plans to clear forest for cattle ranching, but a PES programme offers annual payments if the forest is kept standing. Suggest one reason this could reduce deforestation.
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A conservation project focuses on tourism and income generation. Identify the environmental perspective most closely associated with this approach.
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Define the term environmental perspective.
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Outline one aesthetic reason for protecting biodiversity.
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Define the term ex situ conservation.
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Outline two roles played by governments in biodiversity conservation.
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A forest reserve exists on paper, but illegal logging continues because there are no patrols. Suggest one reason why the protected area is not effective.
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An abandoned sheep farm is left unmanaged and native shrubs and trees begin to regrow. Identify the conservation approach being used.
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A critically endangered frog is kept in a laboratory where eggs are raised and tadpoles are grown to adulthood for later release. Identify the conservation strategy being used.
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A zoo runs a breeding programme for a species that no longer survives in its natural habitat. Identify the IUCN category that best matches this situation.
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State one ecosystem service provided by forests that could justify a PES scheme.
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A ranger team uses satellite images to detect new clearings in a protected area and responds quickly. Identify the type of action this represents.
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A protected area reduces logging and land clearing.
Suggest one additional benefit for biodiversity besides increased forest cover.
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A timber company wants to sell wood to high-value international markets but must meet sustainability standards to do so. Identify the conservation tool being used.
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Identify one reason why people support conservation.
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Two small nature reserves are separated by a busy highway. A “green bridge” is built so animals can cross safely. Identify the conservation strategy represented by the green bridge.
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Define the term protected area.
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