Biology · Continuity and change
D4.3 — Climate change
Biology · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes
D4.3.1
Anthropogenic causes of climate change
Explain greenhouse gases as the principal driver of anthropogenic climate change.
D4.3.2
Positive feedback cycles in global warming
Explain positive feedback cycles in global warming, using methane release.
D4.3.3
Change from net carbon accumulation to net loss in boreal forests as an example of a tipping point
Explain the shift of boreal forests from carbon sink to carbon source as a tipping point.
D4.3.4
Melting of landfast ice and sea ice as examples of polar habitat change
Explain how melting landfast ice and sea ice change polar habitats.
D4.3.5
Changes in ocean currents altering the timing and extent of nutrient upwelling
Explain how changing ocean currents alter the timing and extent of nutrient upwelling.
D4.3.6
Poleward and upslope range shifts of temperate species
Explain poleward and upslope range shifts, and why upslope shifts run out of room.
D4.3.7
Threats to coral reefs as an example of potential ecosystem collapse
Explain ocean acidification and coral bleaching as threats of ecosystem collapse.
D4.3.8
Afforestation, forest regeneration and restoration of peat-forming wetlands as approaches to carbon sequestration
Explain afforestation, forest regeneration and peatland restoration as carbon sequestration.
D4.3.9
Phenology as research into the timing of biological events
Explain phenology, and why photoperiod is unaffected by climate change.
D4.3.10
Disruption to the synchrony of phenological events by climate change
Explain how climate change desynchronizes phenological events, using great tits and caribou.
D4.3.11
Increases to the number of insect life cycles within a year due to climate change
Explain how warming lets insect pests complete more life cycles per year.
D4.3.12
Evolution as a consequence of climate change
Explain evolution driven by climate change, using tawny owls and two-spot ladybirds.