Home / IB DP Biology- B4.1 Adaptation to environment – IB Style Questions For SL Paper 2

IB DP Biology- B4.1 Adaptation to environment - IB Style Questions For SL Paper 2 - FA 2025

IBDP Biology Paper 2 - All Chapters

Question

The desert cottontail (Sylvilagus auduboni) is a rabbit species adapted to living in arid regions of North America.
(a) Identify two non-living environmental conditions that define a hot desert biome.
(b) Propose one structural or behavioral adaptation that enables the cottontail to cope with desert environments.

Most-appropriate topic codes (CED):

• TOPIC B4.1: Adaptation to environment — parts (a), (b)
▶️ Answer/Explanation
Detailed solution

(a)
1. High daytime temperatures (and often low nighttime temperatures).
2. Lack of water / low precipitation (rainfall) / low humidity.

(b)
Any one of the following:
• Large ears: These have a large surface area with many blood vessels, which allows the rabbit to release body heat to the environment.
• Light-colored fur: This reflects sunlight and reduces heat absorption.
• Nocturnal behavior: Being active at night (or living in burrows during the day) allows the rabbit to avoid the extreme heat of the day.

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