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Date November 2020 Marks available 1 Reference code 20N.3.SL.TZ0.14
Level Standard level Paper Paper 3 Time zone TZ0 / no time zone
Command term Outline Question number 14 Adapted from N/A

Question

The table shows the number of crabs found in two rockpools by the coast. There were 16 crabs in total in each rockpool.

[Source: © International Baccalaureate Organization 2020.]

Two components of biodiversity are richness and evenness. Deduce which of the two pools was higher in richness.

[1]
a.i.

Two components of biodiversity are richness and evenness. Deduce which of the two pools was higher in evenness.

[1]
a.ii.

Calculation of Simpson’s reciprocal diversity index for both rockpools gives the following results.

Outline what conclusion can be drawn from the results.

[1]
b.

The graph shows how the number of ant species found on isolated islands near New Guinea depends on the size of the island.

[Source: University of Windsor, The Theory of Island Biogeography. Available at:
http://web2.uwindsor.ca/courses/biology/macisaac/55-437/lecture9.htm.]

 

Explain the relationship between island size and number of ant species.

[1]
c.

Markscheme

A;

a.i.

B;

a.ii.

B is more diverse/biodiverse than A;

Accept vice-versa. Do not accept greater Simpson’s reciprocal diversity index.

b.

(the larger islands contain) more species as there are more habitats;

c.

Examiners report

Candidates could deduce the richness and evenness of the pools but gave incomplete answers to the other two parts of this question.

a.i.
[N/A]
a.ii.

The conclusion from the table showing values of Simpson’s reciprocal diversity index required mention of biodiversity, not simply that one pool is more diverse.

b.

The graph showing the number of ant species according to island size required an explanation of the graph. Many candidates simply stated the relationship with no explanation.

c.

Syllabus sections

Option C: Ecology and conservation » Option C: Ecology and conservation (Core topics) » C.4 Conservation of biodiversity
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Option C: Ecology and conservation » Option C: Ecology and conservation (Core topics)
Option C: Ecology and conservation

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