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The diagram shows the numbers and biomass of organisms in a food chain - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2013 - Paper 1
Question 6
The diagram shows the numbers and biomass of organisms in a food chain. organism number biomass / g oak tree 1 500 000 aphids 10 000 1 000 ladybirds 200 50 a) (i) ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows the numbers and biomass of organisms in a food chain - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2013 - Paper 1
Step 1
Calculate the difference in biomass between the aphids and the ladybirds.
Answer
To find the difference in biomass between the aphids and the ladybirds, we subtract the biomass of the ladybirds from that of the aphids:
Biomass of aphids = 1000 g Biomass of ladybirds = 50 g
Difference = 1000 g - 50 g = 950 g.
Thus, the difference in biomass is 950 g.
Step 2
Suggest how this energy is lost between each trophic level.
Answer
Energy loss between trophic levels occurs through various processes:
- Excretion - waste products that are not utilized by the organism.
- Not all of the organism is eaten - some parts of the organism, like bones, are left behind.
- Indigestibility - some parts of the consumed organisms cannot be digested and are ejected.
- Respiration - energy is lost as heat when organisms respire to maintain their metabolic functions.
- Movement - energy is expended during movement, which contributes to energy loss.
Step 3
In the box, draw a pyramid of biomass for this food chain.
Answer
In a pyramid of biomass for this food chain, the biomass for each organism is represented as follows:
- At the top of the pyramid, represent the ladybirds with 10 g (200 individuals × 50 g).
- In the middle, the aphids with 10,000 g (10,000 individuals × 1 g).
- At the base, the oak tree with 500,000 g (1 individual × 500,000 g).
The pyramid will have a broad base (oak tree), a narrow middle (aphids), and the narrowest top (ladybirds), illustrating the biomass decreasing at each trophic level.
Step 4
Step 5
Explain how the recycling of paper and plastics can benefit the environment.
Answer
Recycling paper and plastics provides several environmental benefits:
- Reduces Deforestation - Recycling paper decreases the need to cut down trees, preserving habitats and maintaining biodiversity.
- Decreases Landfill Waste - Recycling minimizes the volume of waste sent to landfills, leading to less environmental pollution and the preservation of land space.
- Conserves Resources - Recycling materials means fewer natural resources are consumed, helping to preserve those resources for future generations.
- Energy Savings - Recycling often uses less energy compared to producing new products from raw materials, leading to reduced pollution and carbon emissions.
- Less Demand for Fossil Fuels - Recycling plastics reduces reliance on fossil fuels, as producing new plastics typically requires significant energy derived from these fuels.
- Continuous Benefits - The more materials recycled, the lesser they accumulate in the environment, contributing to a cleaner atmosphere and healthier ecosystems.