IBDP Biology [HL / SL]

School of the Arts, Singapore

Topic 4 : Ecology
4.3 Carbon cycling
4.4 Climate change
Name:__________________________________[ ] Class:________________

Section A – Multiple-Choice Questions

Answer all questions. For each question, choose the answer you consider to be the
best and indicate your choice in the box provided below.

Question 1 2 3 4 5
Answer

1. Which of the following gases contribute to the greenhouse effect?

I. Methane
II. Water vapour
III. Nitrogen

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III

2. Which human activities may increase or decrease the greenhouse effect?

Increase greenhouse effect Decrease greenhouse effect

A. deforestation more use of fossil fuel

B. reforestation more use of solar power

C. less use of air conditioning less use of public transport

D. more cattle farming reforestation

3. What is a potential consequence of the rise in global temperatures on the

Arctic ecosystem?
A. Increased exposure to UV light
B. Increased rate of decomposition of detritus

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C. Decreased success of pest species

D. Increase in the ice habitat available to polar bears

4. Global warming threatens the survival of Arctic foxes. Which of the following
factors could be involved?
I. Competition with other fox species spreading north
II. Reduction in numbers of prey species of Arctic foxes
III. Decrease in oxygen availability to Arctic foxes

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III

5. The diagram below shows some of the links in the carbon cycle.

I II III

A. photosynthesis fossilization combustion

B. cell respiration fossilization greenhouse effect

C. photosynthesis decomposition combustion

D. cell respiration decomposition greenhouse effect

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Section B – Structured Questions

Answer all questions. Write your answer in the space provided.

Question 1
A coral polyp is a marine organism, characterized by a hard skeleton. Coral reefs
are colonies of numerous individual polyps. Coral polyps often form close
associations with tiny plants such as algae. The algae, which live within the tissues of
the polyp, give the coral its unique colour. The algae receive nutrients from their
host and provide the host with a food source in return. When coral undergoes
environmental stress it expels algae from its polyps and the coral appears white. This
process is called “coral bleaching”.

The graph below indicates the number of coral reef areas showing bleaching over a
20-year period off the coast of Australia. The arrows indicate the occurrence of El
Niño, an event that brings effects such as an increase in water temperature around
the coral.

(a) Outline the trend in the number of coral reef areas showing bleaching over the
period 1979 to 1998. [2]

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(b) Discuss the effect of El Niño on the incidence of coral bleaching. [3]

(c) Scientists suggest that El Niño may be increasing in frequency. Suggest the
impact that this might have on coral bleaching. [1]

Sargassum, a variety of brown algae that exists as a floating canopy above coral,
was studied to determine its impact on the rate of coral bleaching. The graph
below shows the percentage of bleached corals on two reefs, Goold Island and
Great Palm Island, with the Sargassum canopy left intact and with the Sargassum
canopy removed.

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(d) Identify the percentage of corals bleached near Great Palm Island when
Sargassum is left intact. [1]

(e) Compare the effect of Sargassum removal on the amount of coral bleaching
at the two locations. [2]

(f) With reference to the effects of El Niño and Sargassum removal, suggest two
abiotic factors which might contribute to coral bleaching. [2]
1.

2.

(g) Suggest, giving a reason, how one human impact might increase the degree
of coral bleaching. [2]

[Total: 13 marks]

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Question 2
The diagram below is part of a carbon cycle diagram for an ecosystem in a pond.

(a) State the names of the processes that

(i) convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds in pond weeds and
algae. [1]

(ii) convert organic compounds in pond weeds, algae and primary

consumers into carbon dioxide. [1]

(b) (i) Draw arrows on the diagram above to show how the saprotrophs obtain
carbon. [1]

(ii) Explain the role of saprotrophs in recycling carbon. [2]

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(c) Draw a box on the diagram in an appropriate position, labelled organic

compounds in secondary consumers. Draw arrows to show the links between
secondary consumers and other parts of the carbon cycle. [2]

There has been a significant increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the
Earth’s atmosphere during the last fifty years.

(d) (i) Suggest two reasons for this increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide
concentration. [2]
1.

2.

(ii) Suggest one effect of an increase in carbon dioxide concentration on

organisms in a pond. Include in your answer the reason for the effect and
the type of organisms that are affected. [2]

[Total: 11 marks]

Section C – Free Response Questions

Answer all questions. Write your answer on writing paper. Up to 2 additional marks
will be awarded for the quality and construction of your answer.

Question 1
Explain how the emission of gases, both naturally and through human activity, can

alter the surface temperature of the Earth. [8]

Question 2
Outline measures which would reduce the impact of the greenhouse effect. [6]
[Total: 16 marks]

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Mark scheme
Section A – Multiple-Choice Questions
Answer all questions. For each question, choose the answer you consider to be the
best and indicate your choice in the box provided below.

Question 1 2 3 4 5

Answer B D B B A

1. Which of the following gases contribute to the greenhouse effect?

I. Methane
II. Water vapour
III. Nitrogen

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
N08/TZ0/SL/P1/Q21

2. Which human activities may increase or decrease the greenhouse effect?

Increase greenhouse effect Decrease greenhouse effect

A. deforestation more use of fossil fuel

B. reforestation more use of solar power

C. less use of air conditioning less use of public transport

D. more cattle farming reforestation

M06/TZ1/HL/P1/Q20; M06/TZ1/SL/P1/Q22

3. What is a potential consequence of the rise in global temperatures on the

Arctic ecosystem?
A. Increased exposure to UV light
B. Increased rate of decomposition of detritus
C. Decreased success of pest species
D. Increase in the ice habitat available to polar bears
M10/TZ1/SL/P1/Q20

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4. Global warming threatens the survival of Arctic foxes. Which of the following
factors could be involved?
I. Competition with other fox species spreading north
II. Reduction in numbers of prey species of Arctic foxes
III. Decrease in oxygen availability to Arctic foxes

A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II and III
N09/TZ0/SL/P1/Q19

5. The diagram below shows some of the links in the carbon cycle.

I II III

A. photosynthesis fossilization combustion

B. cell respiration fossilization greenhouse effect

C. photosynthesis decomposition combustion

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D. cell respiration decomposition greenhouse effect

N09/TZ0/SL/P1/Q18

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Section B – Structured Questions

Answer all questions. Write your answer in the space provided.

Question 1 [M07/TZ2/SL/P2/Q1]
A coral polyp is a marine organism, characterized by a hard skeleton. Coral reefs
are colonies of numerous individual polyps. Coral polyps often form close
associations with tiny plants such as algae. The algae, which live within the tissues of
the polyp, give the coral its unique colour. The algae receive nutrients from their
host and provide the host with a food source in return. When coral undergoes
environmental stress it expels algae from its polyps and the coral appears white. This
process is called “coral bleaching”.

The graph below indicates the number of coral reef areas showing bleaching over a
20-year period off the coast of Australia. The arrows indicate the occurrence of El
Niño, an event that brings effects such as an increase in water temperature around
the coral.

(a) Outline the trend in the number of coral reef areas showing bleaching over the
period 1979 to 1998. [2]
a. Pattern is periodic / bleaching tends to occur every 2 to 4 years;
b. Bleaching alternates with recovery / peaks alternating with dips;
c. (With some exceptions) there is a trend toward increasing numbers of
bleached areas / more frequent bleaching;
d. 1996 to 1998 shows a greater increase overall;

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Maximum 2 marks
Examiners’ comments:
This data-response question was, on the whole, not answered well, but was
answered better than the data-response question in 2006. Many answers were too
simplistic - more thought was needed, especially when describing and discussing
graphical data. The alternating pattern was weakly expressed in 1(a). Many
candidates didn’t understand the graph with regard to the fact that the peaks were
every 2-4 years and that the rate of increase in bleaching was in general low.

(b) Discuss the effect of El Niño on the incidence of coral bleaching. [3]
a. Coral bleaching follows El Niño events / coincides with El Niño events;
b. Coral bleaching appears (strongly) correlated with El Niño events / El Niño may
be the cause of the bleaching;
c. Other periodic events might be triggering the bleaching;

Examiners’ comments:
In 1(b), few were rigorous with the data and assumed El Niño directly caused coral
bleaching, rather than simply being associated with it. Few mentioned the fact that
bleaching might be due to another factor and even less used the term "correlated".

(c) Scientists suggest that El Niño may be increasing in frequency. Suggest the
impact that this might have on coral bleaching. [1]
a. Prevents the corals from recovering from bleaching / greater number of reef
areas affected / increased frequency of bleaching;

Sargassum, a variety of brown algae that exists as a floating canopy above coral,
was studied to determine its impact on the rate of coral bleaching. The graph
below shows the percentage of bleached corals on two reefs, Goold Island and
Great Palm Island, with the Sargassum canopy left intact and with the Sargassum
canopy removed.

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(d) Identify the percentage of corals bleached near Great Palm Island when
Sargassum is left intact. [1]
29 (± 1) % (no units required)

(e) Compare the effect of Sargassum removal on the amount of coral bleaching
at the two locations. [2]
a. In both cases, removal increases bleaching;
b. Little difference in percentage bleaching;
c. Bleaching is more than doubled at Goold Island / less at Great Palm Island;
d. Sample results are more variable for Great Palm Island (suggesting little
difference);

Examiners’ comments:
In 1(e) it was common to see percentage bleaching compared rather than
differences in increased percentage bleaching. Most candidates believed that the
effect of bleaching was greater in Great Palm Island when Sargassum was removed
(they did not compare the effect before and after).

(f) With reference to the effects of El Niño and Sargassum removal, suggest two
abiotic factors which might contribute to coral bleaching. [2]
a. Light (penetration) / light (levels);
b. (Water) temperature;
c. pH/CO2 concentration;
Maximum 2 marks

(g) Suggest, giving a reason, how one human impact might increase the degree
of coral bleaching. [2]

Award 1 mark for human impact and 1 mark for effect.

a. Increased CO2 /greenhouse gas emissions;
b. Causes an increase in global sea temperatures / more El Niño events (therefore
more coral bleaching);

c. Thinning of / hole in the ozone layer;

d. Leading to greater UV/light penetration (therefore more coral bleaching);

e. Harvesting of Sargassum for commercial purposes;

f. Leading to greater UV/light penetration (therefore more coral bleaching);

g. Other appropriate human impact;

h. Outline of how the impact might increase coral bleaching;

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Maximum 2 marks

Examiners’ comments:
In 1(g) many candidates did not score full marks as their answers only referred to
global warming, without specifying its cause or making more precise references to
the human activity. Some candidates were able to provide a specific human
impact and many gave general pollution or waste as an answer, although the
effect on the coral was well described.
[Total: 13 marks]

Question 2
The diagram below is part of a carbon cycle diagram for an ecosystem in a pond.

(a) State the names of the processes that

(i) convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds in pond weeds and
algae. [1]
a. Photosynthesis / carbon fixation / Calvin cycle / light-independent
reaction;

(ii) convert organic compounds in pond weeds, algae and primary

consumers into carbon dioxide. [1]
a. (Cell) respiration;

(b) (i) Draw arrows on the diagram above to show how the saprotrophs obtain
carbon. [1]
a. Only arrows from both pond weeds and algae box and from primary
consumers box pointing to saprotrophs box;

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(ii) Explain the role of saprotrophs in recycling carbon. [2]

a. Saprotrophs break down / decompose / organic matter / organisms /
compounds;

b. Release enzymes into organic matter; r

c. Release carbon dioxide;

d. (Do not accept (elemental) carbon) produce carbon dioxide by (cell)

respiration;

e. Carbon dioxide can then be used by plants / autotrophs;

(c) Draw a box on the diagram in an appropriate position, labelled organic

compounds in secondary consumers. Draw arrows to show the links between
secondary consumers and other parts of the carbon cycle. [2]
Arrow from primary consumer box to secondary consumer box; only arrows
from secondary consumer box to saprotrophs and to carbon dioxide;

There has been a significant increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the
Earth’s atmosphere during the last fifty years.

(d) (i) Suggest two reasons for this increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide
concentration. [2]
a. Burning / use of fossil fuels / example; burning forests;
b. Destruction of autotrophs that fix carbon dioxide / deforestation;
Do not accept “pollution” unqualified.

(ii) Suggest one effect of an increase in carbon dioxide concentration on

organisms in a pond. Include in your answer the reason for the effect and
the type of organisms that are affected. [2]
a. Increased growth / photosynthesis by plants / pond weeds / algae /
autotrophs / producer / eutrophication;
b. Carbon dioxide used in photosynthesis / photosynthesis provides raw
materials for growth;
c. Effect of lower pH of water on a named type of organism (e.g. some
plants cannot grow in acidic water);
d. Increased carbon dioxide concentration makes water more acidic;

For those candidates who have interpreted increase in carbon dioxide

concentration to mean atmospheric carbon dioxide, include these marks:
e. Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide leads to global warming;
f. Global warming causes pond warming;
g. Pond warming may promote growth of aquatic vegetation;
h. Pond warming may kill intolerant plant/animal species;
[Total: 11 marks]

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Section C – Free Response Questions

Answer all questions. Write your answer on writing paper. Up to 2 additional marks
will be awarded for the quality and construction of your answer.

Question 1 [M09/TZ2/SL/P2/Q7(c)]
Explain how the emission of gases, both naturally and through human activity, can
alter the surface temperature of the Earth. [8]
a. Increase in temperature is called global warming;
b. This is caused by the greenhouse effect;
c. A natural phenomenon that has occurred over millions of years;
d. Main gas responsible is carbon dioxide;
e. Other gases like methane / nitrous oxide also cause effect;
f. Shortwave radiation from the Sun enters atmosphere;
g. Warms the surface of the Earth;
h. Longwave radiation emitted by the surface of the Earth;
i. Is absorbed by carbon dioxide / greenhouse gases;
j. Human use of fossil fuels has increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide;
k. Rapid rise in temperatures over (approximately) hundred years;
l. Cows / animals / peat bogs release methane;
m. Greenhouse gases emitted by volcanic activity;
Maximum 8 marks

Examiners’ comments:
The impact of gases on the Earth’s temperature was, in most cases, not well
answered with many candidates confusing the greenhouse effect with the hole in
the ozone layer.

Question 2 [N05/SL/P2/Q7(c)]
Outline measures which would reduce the impact of the greenhouse effect. [6]
a. CO2 absorption by photosynthesis must be encouraged;
b. Emissions from burning fossil fuels must be reduced;
c. Reforestation;
d. Reduction / stopping of deforestation;
e. Spreading of nutrients in oceans to induce growth of algae;
f. Reducing energy consumption by thermal insulation of homes;
g. Driving less / driving smaller vehicles / hybrid vehicles / motorcycles /
walking / using mass transport;
h. Eating local food;
i. Changing to alternate energy sources (solar, wind or nuclear power);
j. Reduce emission of greenhouse gases (CH4 / CFCs / N2O / O3 / SO2);
k. E.g. less rice (paddy / padi) fields / feeding cattle with less methane-producing
food;

Maximum 6 marks

Examiners’ comments:

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Many candidates began this part with long essays describing the greenhouse effect.
Only towards the end of their answers did they outline measures to reduce the
impact of the greenhouse effect. Alternate energy sources, reducing deforestation
and reforestation, and transport strategies were popular measures discussed. Some
candidates talked about the ozone layer and others wrote about the Kyoto Protocol
without any detail of the actions required.
[Total: 16 marks]

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