IB Diploma Environmental Systems

1. Biodiversity
Define the following:
Biodiversity:
Genetic Diversity:
Species Diversity:
Habitat Diversity:
Species richness:
Species evenness;
Define the following:
Evolution
Natural Selection
Speciation
Reproductive Isolation
Geographical Isolation
Outline how to design and use a dichotomous key
Explain how Simpson’s diversity index formula can be useful for investigations into
different ecosystems or ecosystems at different times

2. Outline the role of isolation in forming new species:
Origins of Biodiversity
Outline the role of plate tectonics in biodiversity
Define Mass Extinction:
Factors leading to Mass Extinctions
Examples of Mass Extinctions:
Outline the mechanism of
natural selection:

3. What is the current rate of
species loss?
Threats to Biodiversity
Outline natural causes of species loss
Outline the human causes of losses to biodiversityExplain why losses to biodiversity are hard to estimate

4. Outline the threats to tropical biomes
Threats to Biodiversity
Discuss the conflict between exploitation, sustainable development
and conservation in tropical biomes
Tropical Rainforest (TRF) Destruction Example
Define
Exploitation
Sustainable Development
Conservation
Give examples of direct human impact on TRF
Give examples of indirect human impact on TRF

5. Why should biodiversity be preserved?
Conservation of Biodiversity Define and give examples of
Aesthetic factors
Ecological Factors
Economic Factors
Ethical Factors
Social Factors
Ecocentric reasons for preserving biodiversity Technocentric reasons for preserving biodiversity Anthropocentric reasons for preserving
biodiversity

6. Outline what is meant by ‘habitat
approaches and give named examples
Approaches and Strategies for Conserving Biodiversity
Describe the factors that should be considered when designing
a conservation area
Vocabulary
Flag ship species
Charismatic species
Umbrella species
Keystone species
CITES
IUCN
Evaluate different strategies for different conservation strategies and approaches
Outline what is meant by ‘species
approaches’ and give named examples

7. Describe recent international conventions focused on conserving
biodiversity
Conservation of Biodiversity
Conservation Organisations
NGO’s
Conservation Organisations
IGO’s
Describe the IUCN and the Red List
Outline the factors used to determine a species’ Red List
status

8. Case Studies
Extinct Case Study:
Critically Endangered Case Study:
Back from the Brink Case Study:

9. Name and Location
Case Study – Threats to an area of biological significance
Significance:
Consequences
Human and Natural Threats: