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A student was investigating the populations of organisms in a garden - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 8
A student was investigating the populations of organisms in a garden. Figure 15 shows the estimates of the number and biomass of some of the organisms in the garden.... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A student was investigating the populations of organisms in a garden - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
(ii) Explain how killing the slugs would affect the population of earthworms in this garden.
Answer
Killing the slugs could have a significant impact on the population of earthworms. Hedgehogs, which prey on both slugs and earthworms, may decrease in number if their food source (the slugs) is removed. As a result, the following can occur:
- Decrease in competition: With fewer slugs, the hedgehogs may not persist in the garden, allowing the earthworm population to flourish due to reduced predation pressure.
- Potential for an increase: If the predator population diminishes, the earthworms may proliferate, leading to a greater biomass of earthworms in the ecosystem.
In conclusion, killing the slugs could lead to an increase in the earthworm population by reducing predation.