Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2024

First exams 2026

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Systems (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL): Exam Questions

45 mins20 questions
12 marks

State one environmental system and one social system.

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21 mark

Identify the type of system shown in the figure below:

system-diagram

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31 mark

Define the term transformation in the context of environmental systems.

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41 mark

State one example of a transformation that occurs in the hydrological cycle.

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51 mark

In system diagrams, state what is represented using shapes with defined boundaries (such as a circle or rectangle).

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61 mark

In system diagrams, state what is represented using arrows.

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71 mark

Below is an example of a stable equilibrium.

Identify the name of this type of stable equilibrium.

screenshot-2023-09-27-at-14-30-40

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81 mark

Below is an example of a stable equilibrium.

Identify the name of this type of stable equilibrium.

screenshot-2023-09-27-at-14-31-35

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91 mark

When a population is exposed to a disease, some individuals will be more resistant to the disease than others. Those individuals who are more resistant to the disease will be more likely to survive and reproduce. This will lead to an increase in the proportion of resistant individuals in the population. As the proportion of resistant individuals in the population increases, the disease will have a harder time spreading. This is because there are fewer susceptible individuals for the disease to infect. This will lead to a decrease in the prevalence of the disease in the population.

Identify the type of feedback being demonstrated in this example.

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13 marks

Define the term system.

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24 marks

State two storages and two flows within the carbon cycle system.

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33 marks

Explain how the Earth and the atmosphere surrounding it could be viewed as a closed system.

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44 marks

Distinguish between transfers and transformations within the context of the hydrological cycle, providing examples for each.

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52 marks

Distinguish between a holistic approach and a reductionist approach for studying systems.

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64 marks

Explain how a community of trees in a tropical rainforest could be viewed as a system.

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72 marks

Define the term model.

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84 marks

Evaluate the usefulness of environmental models.

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92 marks

Explain the term ecological tipping point.

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104 marks

Explain the role of feedback loops in the dynamics of alternate stable states and the occurrence of tipping points between them.

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113 marks

Complete the diagram to show how a positive feedback process involving melting sea ice may affect the rate of global warming.

1-3-positive-feedback-empty

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