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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) Draw a pyramid of biomass for this food chain i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows a woodland food chain - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 6 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
(a)(i) Calculate the difference in biomass between the robins and the sparrowhawks.
Answer
To calculate the difference in biomass between the robins and the sparrowhawks, we subtract the biomass of the sparrowhawks from that of the robins:
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 2
(a)(ii) 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 3
(b) Describe, using two other examples, how parasites depend on host species to survive.
Answer
Parasites rely heavily on host species for their survival and reproduction. For example:
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Tapeworms: These parasites live in the intestines of various animals, such as humans and dogs, and absorb nutrients from the host's diet, significantly harming the host's health.
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Mosquitoes: These insects depend on vertebrates for their blood, which provides the necessary nutrients for their eggs to develop. Such dependence often causes discomfort to the host and may lead to the transmission of diseases.