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 | 50... 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.
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Answer
To calculate 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: 1,000 g
Biomass of ladybirds: 50 g
Difference = 1,000 g - 50 g = 950 g
Thus, the answer is 950 g.
Step 2
Suggest how this energy is lost between each trophic level.
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Answer
Energy is lost between trophic levels mainly through:
Excretion: Waste products that are not used by the organism.
Heat Loss: Metabolic processes release energy as heat.
Incomplete Digestion: Some parts of organisms may be indigestible.
Movement: Energy is used for activities such as hunting or flying.
Step 3
Draw a pyramid of biomass for this food chain.
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Answer
The pyramid of biomass should show the biomass at each trophic level:
Oak Tree: 500,000 g (base)
Aphids: 1,000 g (middle)
Ladybirds: 50 g (top)
The pyramid will visually represent a larger mass at the base decreasing towards the top.
Step 4
State the name of the process in which plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
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The process by which plants remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is called photosynthesis.
Step 5
Explain how the recycling of paper and plastics can benefit the environment.
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Answer
Recycling paper and plastics plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. Some benefits include:
Reduced Deforestation: Recycling paper reduces the need to cut down trees, thus preserving habitats and biodiversity.
Lower Landfill Contribution: Less waste ends up in landfills, which takes up space and reduces pollution.
Decreased Energy Use: Recycling often uses less energy than producing new products, conserving fossil fuels.
Pollution Reduction: Less pollution is generated from recycling processes compared to making new materials from raw resources.
Promoting Sustainability: Encouraging recycling helps create a closed-loop system, reducing the strain on the environment and promoting sustainable practices.