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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 ... 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
(i) Calculate the difference in biomass between the aphids and the ladybirds.
Answer
To calculate the difference in biomass between the aphids and the ladybirds, we can use the biomass values provided:
- Biomass of aphids = 1000 g
- Biomass of ladybirds = 50 g
The difference can be calculated as follows:
Thus, the difference in biomass between the aphids and the ladybirds is 950 g.
Step 2
(ii) Energy is lost between each trophic level of a food chain. Suggest how this energy is lost between each trophic level.
Answer
Energy is lost at each trophic level due to several biological processes:
- Excretion: Not all parts of an organism are consumed. Waste products result in energy loss.
- Inedibility: Some parts of organisms may be indigestible and are excreted as waste.
- Respiration: Energy is utilized during respiration for metabolic processes, converting it to heat and hence lost.
- Movement: Energy is used for movement, which leads to further energy loss.
- Temperature regulation: Organisms expend energy for maintaining their body temperature.
Step 3
(iii) In the box, draw a pyramid of biomass for this food chain.
Answer
To represent the pyramid of biomass for this food chain, draw the following:
- Oak tree: 500,000 g (base)
- Aphids: 10,000 g
- Ladybirds: 200 g (top)
This pyramid should reflect the decreasing biomass at each trophic level, with the oak tree at the base, followed by aphids and then ladybirds at the top.
Step 4
Step 5
(ii) Explain how the recycling of paper and plastics can benefit the environment.
Answer
Recycling paper and plastics has several environmental benefits:
- Reduces deforestation: Recycling paper decreases the need to cut down trees, preserving forests that absorb carbon dioxide.
- Lowers landfill use: Recycling lessens the amount of waste in landfills, which reduces pollution.
- Conserves natural resources: By recycling plastics, it cuts down the need for fossil fuels used in producing new plastic products.
- Reduces pollution: It minimizes the harmful emissions associated with the manufacture of materials.
- Energy savings: Recycling usually consumes less energy compared to producing new products, decreasing overall energy demand.
- Environmental conservation: Overall, recycling conserves resources and protects habitats for wildlife.