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NotesESS HLTopic 3.1
Unit 3 · Biodiversity and Conservation · Topic 3.1

IB ESS HL — Biodiversity

At Higher Level, Topic 3.1 includes the Simpson diversity index and more detailed statistical analysis of biodiversity data. HL students must calculate and interpret diversity indices, evaluate sampling methodologies, and analyse biodiversity trends with greater quantitative rigour.

3.1 FlashcardsExam technique guidePractice questions

Key concepts in Biodiversity

📝 Exam Summary: Biodiversity & Conservation

Key Idea: Biodiversity keeps ecosystems healthy. Measuring it helps us make smart conservation choices.

🌍 Three levels of biodiversity


💪 Biodiversity = Resilience


📊 Measuring biodiversity

D = \frac{N(N-1)}{\sum n(n-1)}
Simpson's Reciprocal Index – Higher D = more diverse

✅ Exam Checklist

Link: **biodiversity → resilience → ecosystem services → conservation**. Use examples!

What you'll learn in Topic 3.1

  • 3.1.1 Biodiversity and resilience
  • 3.1.2 Protecting Biodiversity
  • 3.1.3 Measuring biodiversity

Exam relevance

At Higher Level, ESS includes an extended essay component and deeper analytical questioning. Expect longer data-response questions and more complex case study scenarios in both Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Suggested study order: Read the notes for each sub-topic below → test yourself with flashcards → attempt practice questions → review exam technique.

Study resources — 3.1 Biodiversity

3.1.1

Biodiversity and resilience

NotesFlashcards
3.1.2

Protecting Biodiversity

NotesFlashcards
3.1.3

Measuring biodiversity

NotesFlashcards

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Topic 3.1 Biodiversity forms a core part of Unit 3: Biodiversity and Conservation in IB ESS HL. Mastering these concepts will strengthen your understanding of connected topics across the syllabus and prepare you for exam questions that require analysis, evaluation, and real-world application.

Frequently asked questions

What does Topic 3.1 Biodiversity cover in IB ESS?
Topic 3.1 covers biodiversity as part of the IB ESS syllabus. Students learn key concepts, definitions, and real-world examples that are tested in Paper 1 and Paper 2 exams.
How should I revise Biodiversity for IB ESS exams?
Start by reading the micro-topic notes to understand each concept, then use flashcards to memorise key terms. Practise exam-style questions to apply your knowledge under timed conditions and review the marking criteria.
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