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The growth of crop plants, such as wheat, can be improved by the use of fertilisers and the control of pests - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 7
The growth of crop plants, such as wheat, can be improved by the use of fertilisers and the control of pests. Figure 13 shows the mass of grains produced by wheat p... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The growth of crop plants, such as wheat, can be improved by the use of fertilisers and the control of pests - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Explain why farmers measure the mass of 1000 grains rather than the mass of one wheat grain.
Answer
The mass of a single grain is very small, making it difficult to measure accurately. Thus, measuring the mass of 1000 grains provides a more reliable estimate of the average grain mass and reduces the chance of measurement error, enabling better comparisons of crop yields.
Step 3
Step 4
Explain why biological control would be more successful when a crop is grown under a clear plastic cover.
Answer
When a crop is grown under a clear plastic cover, the biological control agent is enclosed, preventing it from escaping. This increases the likelihood that it will find and consume pests, thereby reducing pest damage and yielding a more successful crop.
Step 5
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of growing GM corn plants.
Answer
Advantages of GM corn plants include:
- Resistance to insects, leading to less crop damage and larger yields.
- Production of toxins that kill insects without harming beneficial species.
- Reduced need for insecticides, which lowers management costs over the long term.
- Ability to spray with herbicides without affecting the GM corn.
Disadvantages include:
- Higher cost of GM seeds compared to non-GM options.
- Potential for resistance genes to transfer to wild plants or weeds.
- Decreased biodiversity as GM crops can impact ecosystems.
- Risk of pests developing resistance over time, complicating future pest management.