IB ESS TEST QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS
Distinguish between point and non-point pollution with reference to named examples. -
Answers - Point pollution is an identifiable place where the pollutants are coming from,
like a specific factory or power plant. Non point is an unidentifiable source where the
pollution is coming from, like agricultural run off or acid rain.
For a named water pollutant, evaluate two management strategies to maintain the
sustainability of watercourses. - Answers - Agricultural run off can be evaluated by
reducing pesticide use and managing irrigation. Reducing pesticide use would be an
easy and more effective way to reduce agricultural run off by making laws and
regulations, and through education. Where as managing irrigation would be a lot harder
because there would need to be more supervision and it would be less reliable.
Identify one transformation shown in Figure 2(a). - Answers - evapotranspiration
Calculate the difference in water infiltration between the forest and urban environments.
- Answers - 35%
Outline how one storage in the hydrological cycle decreases with urbanization. -
Answers - Deep water infiltration decreases in urbanization, because of the concrete
and asphalt streets and sidewalks and buildings water isn't able to soak/infiltrate into the
ground completely and majority of the water is run off.
Calculate the percentage of water projected to be used for agriculture in 2025, shown in
Figure 2 - Answers - 59%
Suggest one reason for the projected decrease in the demand for water in agriculture
between 2014 and 2025,shown in Figure 2(b). - Answers - Because of the higher use of
water for domestic use.
Outline two reasons why water demand shown in Figure 2(b) is projected to increase
globally from 2014-2040. - Answers - Population increase because more resources will
need to be used to preserve the population, and and because of expanding urbanization
and urban areas need more water for the people that live in cities.
Identify one region shown in Figure 3 that has an ecological footprint less than its
biocapacity. - Answers - South America
Outline one reason why a region whose ecological footprint is greater than its
biocapacity is considered unsustainable. [1] - Answers - Because the region is using
more natural recourses faster than the environment can replenish them, the
environment will slowly die due to lack of biodiversity and ecological health.
Distinguish between point and non-point pollution with reference to named examples. -
Answers - Point pollution is an identifiable place where the pollutants are coming from,
like a specific factory or power plant. Non point is an unidentifiable source where the
pollution is coming from, like agricultural run off or acid rain.
For a named water pollutant, evaluate two management strategies to maintain the
sustainability of watercourses. - Answers - Agricultural run off can be evaluated by
reducing pesticide use and managing irrigation. Reducing pesticide use would be an
easy and more effective way to reduce agricultural run off by making laws and
regulations, and through education. Where as managing irrigation would be a lot harder
because there would need to be more supervision and it would be less reliable.
Identify one transformation shown in Figure 2(a). - Answers - evapotranspiration
Calculate the difference in water infiltration between the forest and urban environments.
- Answers - 35%
Outline how one storage in the hydrological cycle decreases with urbanization. -
Answers - Deep water infiltration decreases in urbanization, because of the concrete
and asphalt streets and sidewalks and buildings water isn't able to soak/infiltrate into the
ground completely and majority of the water is run off.
Calculate the percentage of water projected to be used for agriculture in 2025, shown in
Figure 2 - Answers - 59%
Suggest one reason for the projected decrease in the demand for water in agriculture
between 2014 and 2025,shown in Figure 2(b). - Answers - Because of the higher use of
water for domestic use.
Outline two reasons why water demand shown in Figure 2(b) is projected to increase
globally from 2014-2040. - Answers - Population increase because more resources will
need to be used to preserve the population, and and because of expanding urbanization
and urban areas need more water for the people that live in cities.
Identify one region shown in Figure 3 that has an ecological footprint less than its
biocapacity. - Answers - South America
Outline one reason why a region whose ecological footprint is greater than its
biocapacity is considered unsustainable. [1] - Answers - Because the region is using
more natural recourses faster than the environment can replenish them, the
environment will slowly die due to lack of biodiversity and ecological health.
