Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 4 | Reference code | 19M.3.SL.TZ1.14 |
Level | Standard level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | Time zone 1 |
Command term | Explain | Question number | 14 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Explain what is meant by competitive exclusion, with respect to a named example of an invasive species.
Markscheme
a. when two species with similar niches occupy the same habitat ✔
b. the competition increases
OR
reduction in resources ✔
c. the population of one species will die/be excluded ✔
d. an invasive species «often» lacks predators ✔
e. the endemic species is usually the one that cannot compete ✔
f. eg: grey squirrel/Japanese knot weed/cane toad ✔
[3 max] if the invasive species is not named.
Do not allow humans.
Examiners report
This was generally well answered. There were a wide variety of verifiable invasive species and only a few confused examples. The most common example was the cane toad introduced into Australia. Candidates understood increased competition and lack of predation.