Photo AI
Figure 13 shows part of a food web of organisms found in the cold Antarctic Ocean - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 7
Figure 13 shows part of a food web of organisms found in the cold Antarctic Ocean. Which term describes phytoplankton in this food web? A consumer B producer C pre... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 13 shows part of a food web of organisms found in the cold Antarctic Ocean - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
Step 2
(i) State why the removal of cod could lead to a decrease in the numbers of squid and penguins.
Answer
The removal of cod, which is a predator of shrimps, would lead to an increase in shrimp populations. Since squids and penguins also prey on shrimps, an increased availability of shrimps could lead to greater competition for food among these species. This competition may result in decreasing numbers of squids and penguins as they struggle to find enough food.
Step 3
(ii) Explain why the removal of cod could lead to an increase in the numbers of squid and penguins.
Answer
Removing cod from the ecosystem reduces predation on cod. Consequently, the populations of both squid and penguins, which rely on cod as a food source, may increase due to a decrease in competition since they can now rely more on other prey such as shrimps. This can lead to a higher overall biomass of squid and penguins thriving in the absence of their predator.