1
2 marks
State two storages in the carbon cycle.
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Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Biogeochemical Cycles (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): HL): Exam Questions
1 hour24 questions
2
2 marks
State two flows in the carbon cycle.
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3
1 mark
Define the term biogeochemical cycle.
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4
1 mark
Identify one organic store of carbon.
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5
1 mark
Outline one way carbon can move between stores in an ecosystem.
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6
1 mark
Outline one way human activities impact the carbon cycle.
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7
1 mark
Define the term methanogenic bacteria.
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8
1 mark
State one location where methanogenesis commonly occurs.
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9
1 mark
Define the term carbon store.
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10
2 marks
State two types of bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle.
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11
1 mark
Identify one human activity that disrupts the nitrogen cycle.
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1a
2 marks
Part of the carbon cycle is shown in the diagram below.
Identify processes X and Y in the diagram.
1b
3 marks
Describe how carbon is released during process Y.
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2a
2 marks
Carbon from fossil fuels enters the atmosphere during combustion.
Explain how this process contributes to rising average global temperatures.
2b
2 marks
Cutting down trees during deforestation increases the problem described in part a.
Explain how.
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3
4 marks
Describe the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.
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4
2 marks
The figure below shows a diagram of a stream that runs past a farm.
A group of students took water samples at various locations along the stream and measured the nitrate concentration in parts per million (ppm) in those water samples.
The students have marked these nitrate concentrations on their diagram.
Explain how the farm may be causing the increase in nitrate concentration in the water.
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5
2 marks
Explain why methane is considered a potent greenhouse gas.
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6
4 marks
Describe the role of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.
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7
2 marks
Outline the process of ammonification in ecosystems.
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8
3 marks
Explain how reef-building organisms contribute to carbon storage.
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9
2 marks
Distinguish between the processes of nitrogen fixation and nitrification.
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1
7 marks
Explain how different components of the carbon cycle act as stores, sinks or sources.
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2
9 marks
Discuss how managing carbon stores and sinks contributes to climate change mitigation.
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3
9 marks
Discuss how human activities affect the nitrogen cycle and the impacts of this on ecosystems.
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4
7 marks
Explain the role of bacteria in shaping nitrogen flows in the nitrogen cycle.
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