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The diagram shows a woodland food chain - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 6
The diagram shows a woodland food chain. The table shows the number and biomass of each part of the food chain. (a) (i) Draw a pyramid of biomass for this food cha... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows a woodland food chain - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
Draw a pyramid of biomass for this food chain.
Answer
To draw a pyramid of biomass for this food chain:
- Start with the base, representing the holly berries, which has a biomass of 5000 g.
- Above that, represent the robins, with a biomass of 1500 g.
- Finally, at the top, represent the sparrowhawks with a biomass of 800 g. The pyramid will visually show a decrease in biomass from the base to the top.
Step 2
Calculate the difference in biomass between the robins and the sparrowhawks.
Answer
To find the difference in biomass between the robins and the sparrowhawks:
- Biomass of robins = 1500 g
- Biomass of sparrowhawks = 800 g
Difference = 1500 g - 800 g = 700 g
Thus, the difference in biomass is 700 g.
Step 3
Biomass decreases at each trophic level in this food chain.
Answer
During photosynthesis, the holly tree leaves use light energy to make glucose.
The robins release energy from the glucose during the process of respiration.
The length of the food chain is limited because energy is lost at each trophic level.
Step 4
Describe, using two other examples, how parasites depend on host species to survive.
Answer
Parasites rely on host species for their survival in several ways:
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Tapeworms: These parasites attach to the intestines of their host, usually mammals, and absorb nutrients directly from the host's digested food, which is essential for their growth and reproduction.
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Lice: These insects live on the skin and hair of their hosts, feeding on blood and skin cells. They depend entirely on their host for food and a suitable environment to live in.