Biology and ESS
For Biology and Environmental Systems and Societies Discussions
1,490 topics in this forum
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Hello guys, The topic for my IA is: Investigate an abiotic factor that effects either rate of seed germination or rate of plant growth. I am seeing how temperature affects the rate of plant growth. To do this I am using an incubator. However, how am I supposed to maintain the amount of light that each plant gets and make sure this experiment can be re-done easily. Any ideas? Thank you!
Last reply by xinchu, -
- 3 replies
- 958 views
Hello guys, The topic for my bio ia is: Investigate an abiotic factor that effects either rate of seed germination or rate of plant growth. My question is something like this: How does the increased salinity of water that one uses to water a plant affect the rate of plant growth? Does it make sense? What do u guys think. Thank you!!!
Last reply by klhollomon, -
- 1 reply
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Hi everyone, I was wondering if this was an appropriate question and hypothesis for my design lab in biology. Question: Investigate an abiotic factor that effects either rate of seed germination or rate of plant growth. My question: How do varying quantities of water starting from 0- 200 (mL +/- 0.5 mL) affect the growth rate measured using a ruler (cm +/- 0.5 cm) of a tomato plant in a period of one month? Hypothesis: If the quantity of water (mL +/- 0.5 mL) increases beyond the optimal water quantity (mL +/- 0.5 mL) a tomato plant needs, the plant's growth rate will decrease and plateau. Similarly if the quantity of water (mL +/- mL) decreases under the optimal water…
Last reply by kanata_zero, -
- 1 reply
- 886 views
I find these questions very difficult. How do you score at this part??
Last reply by kanata_zero, -
- 2 replies
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my exams are coming in 7 days, and i'm worried about my biology HL, any ideas on how to pass with a 4 at least? i have the pearson and the ib study guide 2007, i'm studying out of the study guide right now, since i have 7 days. We have pretty much everything, 12 chapaters :/ any ideas please? quick and effective ways of studying for bio HL? Thanks ! - and if anyone can send me a link of the syllabus for bio HL?
Last reply by Gaby, -
- 3 replies
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I designed a laboratory experiment about the effects of temperature on the rate of enzyme activity (substrate: white bread, enzyme: amylase) Due to resource limitations, we're only allowed 0.1 g of amylase powder per person per day. Attached is my procedures and materials needed. The experiment has been going on for a full day, but my iodine solution still has not turned brown from blue-black. Is there something fundamentally wrong with my lab? BIO ENZYME DESIGN LAB.docx
Last reply by kanata_zero, -
- 1 reply
- 939 views
its my first design lab and need a little help. So the enzyme we are using is Beta-Galactosidase. I know that starch can be used due to someone had informed the class. So i am planning on changing the temperature an seeing how it affects the enzyme activity. My question is am i changing the temperature of the starch solution? my research question i have formulated is What is the optimal temperature for beta-galactosidase enzyme activity, as measured by benedicts.
Last reply by sameera95, -
- 3 replies
- 751 views
Hello, For 12th grade we received a new biology teacher and he does not trust the authenticity of the previous labs we did with our old teacher and therefore we have to do new ones. This time we had to do an enzyme lab and I'm changing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and I'm using Catalase (from carrots) as the enzyme. Now, he told us we could not use gas pressure sensor to measure the rate of reaction instead we had to find the total amount of gas produced. My question is if it is okay that I present the relationship between the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and gas produced or does it have to be the relationship between the concentration of hydrogen peroxide…
Last reply by MainRostand, -
- 1 reply
- 1.2k views
I'm designing an experiment involving starch. Do I need a colorimeter to record the color change (blue-black to brown) in my iodine indicator? Also, is it okay to heat up my solution using a 25 mL beaker? Thanks in advance!
Last reply by kanata_zero, -
- 1 reply
- 729 views
I got the data, organized it, plugged it in to create graphs, calculated the SDs, and all of my t-tests in the end passed? Yay! So my lab worked. But what do I put in for the conclusion if everything passed?
Last reply by ~Lc~, -
- 5 replies
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Hello everyone! I am still confused defining dependent and independent variable, maybe it's because I chose a bad research question, do you have any advice? my research question is: "How does the soil pH affect whether the nutrients in the soil are available to plants"
Last reply by kbs, -
- 1 reply
- 1.6k views
Hi, I'm doing my IA on catalase activity, and I found the standard deviation and did the t-test for my data. I'm not completely sure what it signifies, though? I read online that standard deviation shows how far apart your data is from the mean, and t-test shows if the data between two samples is similar or different. How does this help support my results or show the reliability of my data?
Last reply by M.I. ib 2014, -
- 1 reply
- 915 views
Hello Everyone! For my Bio iA, I calculated standard deviation and am not sure if it needs uncertainties. Do they? If so, how would they be obtained? Also I am doing 2 significant digits, so would something like 2mL of hydrogen peroxide measured, actually be 2.0mL measured? THANKS
Last reply by by.andrew, -
- 11 replies
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Hey Guys, I was just going through Chapter 3 (Ecosystems) in the ESS Course Companion when I happen to arrive on the Ecological Pyramids section (on page 48). I noticed that there was a split in the bar for the producers. Does anyone know the reason for this? What does the split suggest? l'll be really thankful to anyone who could help! P.S. I think someone posted a similar question earlier, but there wasn't a proper reply, so I thought I'd start a new topic...in case any one knows. Here's an image of the split in the pyramid: http://imm.io/1jDH2
Last reply by J500, -
- 1 reply
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Hello fellow peeps, Hope your day is splendiferous. Question for you - what sort of things did you investigate for your IAs, to give some sort of idea what possibilities there are out there? We haven't done any yet (despite being May 2014 exams) but we're starting them all now. First one I'm doing is about potatoes and hydrogen peroxide (enzymes woo!) What's some (hopefully fun and not too tricky) topics you've experimented with? xx
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Hi!! Does anyone have the soft copy of M13 BIO SL mark scheme? for all 3 papers. Would really appreciate it if you could send it to me (: I cannot find it online. *Sorry if this is in the wrong section
Last reply by under-cover, -
- 1 reply
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Hi! What papers (1, 2 and 3) of Biology SL/HL do you think are the most difficult? Can you post them with their TZ as well? Thanks
Last reply by kanata_zero, -
- 3 replies
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I need help with my biology internal assessment! So far I have a table of my raw data and a table of my processed data (with a column of averages and one of standard deviation). Do I have to make a graph for each of the tables? Thanks in advance! PS: If anyone is familiar with OpenOffice, it would be a great bonus!
Last reply by iblyf, -
- 4 replies
- 2k views
In a few weeks I'm going to be doing my first IA in SL bio and I was wondering if any of you lovely people have any tips. I understand that this question is super general, but I think any helpful comments will not only benefit myself but also other ib newbies Thank you!
Last reply by iblyf, -
- 1 reply
- 841 views
I need some ideas to do a lab about fermentation, enzymes and photosynthesis....
Last reply by alefal, -
- 2 replies
- 785 views
Hey guys, I was doing a past paper question when I came across this question, So it is what is needed for active transport of glucose into a cell? Energy Glucose concentration outside the cell A. needed Higher concentration than inside B. needed Any concentration C. not needed Higher concentration than inside D. not needed Any concentration I know that energy is needed in active transport, but when it came to the concentration outside the cell, I was confused. To my understanding, if glucose is being transported into the cell, and since it's the active transport that needs energy, glucose should be transported a…
Last reply by Sandwich, -
- 2 replies
- 785 views
Hello everyone, I am writing my first bio IA and was wondering if you could help me out. The topic is to investigate a factor that affects transport across a cell membrane. My research questions studies the relationship between the temperature of a salt water solution and the rate of osmosis in a potato. I am having trouble thinking of what the concentration of the salt water solution should be and what type of potato should be used as I need a rationale for both. Please give me some guidance. Thank you.
Last reply by sarahamrani97, -
- 3 replies
- 888 views
Hello, I was doing a past paper in biology paper 3 Option H when i found this question in the file i attached. The syllabus doesn't really require us to study electron micrographs of liver tissues. So i'm worried if these type of questions will come in the november 2013 session. If so, what to do?
Last reply by MainRostand, -
- 5 replies
- 2.4k views
Hi everyone, we're doing our first IA in Biology and our topic was this; Question: Investigate a factor that effects transport across the membrane of a cell So, I narrowed the factor down to temperature and I picked diffusion as the mode of transport so my question is this, is this a decent question for the lab? How do various temperature gradients in a sugar/water solution starting from 0 degrees and adding 10 degrees more until 100 degrees is reached affect the diffusion rate within a semi-permeable membrane of cell represented by a dialysis tubing? I figured that I'd have a sugar and water solution in a beaker with food colouring and in the dialysis tube I'd have ju…
Last reply by IBdoingthistosurvive, -
- 1 reply
- 767 views
Hello, I was doing a paper 3 question on Option H when I came across this question in the file i attached. The study of liver tissue electron micrographs are not mentioned in the syllabus. I'm concerned that these types of questions will come out in November 2013. If so, what to do?
Last reply by Alicia Maldonado, -
- 1 reply
- 1.1k views
My IA topic is about neurobiology and behavior. I will try to see the relation between music and children's problem solving skills. I'm thinking about giving them puzzles and playing music and see whether they get slower/faster. Is this appropriate and how can I link it better to the syllabus? Thank you
Last reply by PCM HL, -
- 2 replies
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Hi! I am an ESS student taking my exams in may 2014! I wonder what ESS books/texts you refer to when studying ESS. Which books do you feel that answer the syllabus at most? Do you have any advices for getting a good grade in ESS? Personally I think that the pace is very slow in the classes compared to other IB subjects. I have never really grasped the idea of how to actually prepare myself for exams in ESS and I am starting to get a bit shaky... HELP
Last reply by MainRostand, -
- 1 reply
- 615 views
Hey, this is my first lab, so I need some help. I need to create a table for our lab. However, I don't know what exactly to include. Should i include the constants. (For example, the method sheet says A was placed in B for 1 minute. Do that 4 more times.) Should i put the 1 minute on my chart, since it has an uncertainty . Or should i only just put the stuff im measuring on my chart. Thanks,
Last reply by Emmi, -
- 3 replies
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Hi everyone, I'm in year 2 of IB, and university application time is rolling around, so I'm really starting to freak out about my marks. I totally screwed myself over last year and missed the 7 that I had in the bag for math, which is really disappointing... but there nothing I can do about that anymore. My goal is to get 43/45. In order to do this, I need to get a 7 in bio. Unfortunately, I've found that SL bio has always been a difficult subject for me. I'd like to hear some advice, studying methods, etc. that you guys use for bio; specifically from those of you that got a 7. At the state I'm in now, getting a 7 is pretty out of reach, but it's got to be possible (thou…
Last reply by Fiz, -
- 1 reply
- 914 views
Hey there! I beg any of you to help me with the three questions regarding the evolution option. 1. How does actually polyploidy lead to speciation? Is it because a e.g. tetraploid plant cannot interbreed with a diploid plant? I understand that the nucleus contains >2 sets of chromosomes, but not why that leads to speciation. 2. Is the process of adaptive radiation just; many similar but distinct species evolve rapidly from a single species? Isnt that the same as divergent evolution, or is divergent evolution a type of adaptive radiation? Thank you!!
Last reply by iblyf, -
- 1 reply
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Hey Feels like I'm starting a new topic here everyday but you guys are much help. I have small questions regarding the exagerrated traits and altruism. Regarding the traits.. (lets talk about the peacock's tail), is the problem that the tail becomes too large or is the problem that very many of the peacock's get this large tail because they inherit it from the male which mates the most because the females are attracted to the large tail? The altruism question...I don't need help with the examples, but I don't really understand if "kin selection" and "reciprocal altruism" are types of altruism or the explanation of why altruism occurs. How would you start the answer if t…
Last reply by kanata_zero, -
- 1 reply
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Hello! I need help with the effect of THC on the brain, in terms of synaptic transmission. I don't understand if the THC binds to presynaptic receptors and block the release of anandamide into the synaptic cleft, or if it binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neurone, blocking the binding of anandamide. What I understand from the book and the study guide is that it binds to presynaptic receptors (cannabioid receptors) and so block the release of anandamide (excitatory neurotransmitter) and so the postsynaptic neurone is not stimulated. But the book also says that THC causes the postsynaptic neurone to be hyperpolarised, so it must bind to the postsynaptic receptors? Hel…
Last reply by _Sam_, -
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I have to design a lab on isotonic vs isometric exercise for Biology HL.I'm really confused. I know the difference between the two, but I don't know how to design a lab for it. Both types of exercise is good for you. I know my question should be in terms of "The effect of X on Y" so would maybe "The effect of Isotonic vs. Isometric exercises on a person's pulse" work? For example, my teacher wants this to be a very basic lab with a very good write up and she wants us to have 5-10 test subjects. So if I had like 8 random students do 15 (or 20) pushups take their pulse and then let them rest for 2 minutes, and then had the same students do a 1 minute plank hold check their…
Last reply by SeniorStatus14, -
I have two possible questions: How does the maintained temperature of water constantly surrounding a ficus plant(a fig tree) affect the rate of transpiration? How does the maintained temperature of the closed environment surrounding a ficus plant(a fig tree) affect the rate of transpiration? If I change temperatures what's surrounding the plant, the water in which the plant is submerged (at the bottom) in is also affected so would this experiment work? Due to the fact I might be changing two variables instead of one.
Last reply by MainRostand, -
- 2 replies
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Hi ! Okay so I'm currently doing my Biology lab report and I have a research question and everything, but when I showed it to my teacher she said that I need a very long detailed RQ. But I know that RQs should be detailed but not long. my dependent variable and independent variable are stated clearly, so I don't see the purpose of having a paragraph long research question.. Do you guys know how long and detailed a RQ should be?
Last reply by MainRostand, -
- 3 replies
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I was really wondering if IB BIO HL was hard and wanting to change it to SL. But in order to change it i need to make another subject HL and the only one i am considering to change is french. So should i take IB french HL and bio SL or just stay with IB bio hl and IB french SL
Last reply by josephisgnnadoib, -
- 1 reply
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How does the species of the plant affect the Stomata distribution on the upper and lower surface of the leaf? What could be a possible hypothesis for this?? :s i am blank pleasee help!
Last reply by IBkilledme, -
- 5 replies
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Hey guys! I am not sure whether it is allowed to create topics regarding just one small question in the book so let me know if it isn't. I have a question regarding Human health and physiology II (HL) - defence against infectious disease. Principles of immunity involve challenge and response (immune system challenged by an antigen which produces a response which involves macrophages etc etc until memory cells are produced). Memory cells then respond quickly to the secondary infection so we don't have to get sick. I get that. But when it comes to "clonal selection" I am a bit confused. I understand it like that the process of clonal selection only really occurs in the sec…
Last reply by kentpop, -
- 1 reply
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I need a good design for my Biology IA on Cellular respiration. I can do a design on an aerobic or anaerobic respiration. Please give my ideas on how to write my design, including the question and the procedure!!!! We can use respirometers and yeast!!
Last reply by maroctam, -
- 3 replies
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Hello fellow IB students, my name is Alexander and I'm trying to come up of how to write an ethology lab that is good enough to at least pass. We got a task over the summer, which is do to tomorrow, but I have no idea of how to write a lab report nor an ethology lab, I've been really sloppy and I'm trying to change, so that's why I need some help or ideas of how you can write an ethology lab. I have an idea about dogs, where you can mention the variables clearly, but I'm still uncertain, just a bit. But I don't know if you can conduct the experiment as factual / researched knowledge, or if you must use your own dog or observe the behaviour in several dogs, for example, …
Last reply by Erasmusrasmus, -
- 4 replies
- 920 views
Hi! I'm trying to do my EE on Biology, I plan my RQ to be "To what extent does BMI and waist circumference affect blood pressure after aerobic excercise on teenagers from the ages 14 to 16" do you think it's a good topic or is it not appropiate for Biology? My supervisor and I are a bit nervous about it, any feedback? thanks so much!
Last reply by hellodear, -
- 1 reply
- 692 views
I keep getting really high grades in paper 2 and paper 3 mocks, but when it comes to paper 1, I end up getting medium grades that aren't satisfacting me. Does anyone know any tips on how to do well on paper 1? I would really appreciate the help
Last reply by MainRostand, -
- 1 reply
- 716 views
I was wondering if anyone knew how to do this, its my first lab ,about is it alive, and I don't understand that section of the lab. can anyone explain how to do this?
Last reply by Emmi, -
- 5 replies
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Hi guys, I would like to ask are Biology IAs the same for SL and HL? Looking at the syllabus, there isn't much difference, but are they the same and how do they work? Do we send our two best lab reports plus the Group 4 Project? I'm a little confused about the lab reports part. How many do we send? Do we (the teacher) only choose the best that got the highest marks for the criterias, and how many reports? Do the lab reports necessarily need a HL-related experiment if I'm Biology HL? Oh and approximately when are they due? (Like the deadline?) Please clarify? Thank you so much!
Last reply by meowchelle, -
- 4 replies
- 754 views
What's the difference between the IB study Guide with the green cover and the IB Study Guide with the orange cover with a tiger on it?
Last reply by Sandwich, -
- 1 reply
- 599 views
Guys, for my EE i have chosen on how magnessium concentration would effect the amount of chlorophyll. My teacher asked me to measure the plant growth everyday uptill two weeks. I have a question, does varying the amount of magnessium increase the plant's growth? Like for example, I chose 0.2 g of Mg and 0.1 of Mg. Does it mean that when i use 0.2g of Mg, my plant will be taller compared to the 0.1g of Mg?
Last reply by khimberleigh, -
- 1 reply
- 457 views
Guys, for my EE i have chosen on how magnessium concentration would effect the amount of chlorophyll. My teacher asked me to measure the plant growth everyday uptill two weeks. I have a question, does varying the amount of magnessium increase the plant's growth? Like for example, I chose 0.2 g of Mg and 0.1 of Mg. Does it mean that when i use 0.2g of Mg, my plant will be taller compared to the 0.1g of Mg?
Last reply by Shay, -
- 1 reply
- 4.9k views
Hey guys i'm struggling on thinking of some good idea to write my IA on, please help me out !!
Last reply by Emmi, -
- 2 replies
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Hello there! I was wondering if anyone that has done their Extended essay on Biology would be willing to discuss what it involves and maybe some recommendations. If so, please comment here or send me a PM. It would be great if they were interested on Ecology and conservation as well. Thanks in advance!
Last reply by MainRostand, -
- 6 replies
- 956 views
Hi, I'm currently in IB2 and i take 4 HLs: Math, Physics, French B and Biology. I'm debating whether or not i should drop to Bio SL after having taken HL for a year (and getting high 6s / low 7s). The reason why i'm thinking about dropping now is because the beginning of this year is going to be really tough with the ridiculous amount of deadlines and the mock exams coming up, so i feel like i could really use some more free time whether it be for work or just to chill. I don't plan on following a biology related field in university. In fact i really want to go to EPFL (which has high entry criteria: 38 without bonus and with Math and a science at HL) to study physics or …
Last reply by danny1996,
