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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
Draw a pyramid of biomass for this food chain in the box.
Answer
To create a pyramid of biomass, plot the biomass of each level of the food chain. The base (holly berries) has the highest biomass (5000 g for 10,000 plants), followed by robins (1500 g for 25 individuals), and finally the sparrowhawks (800 g for 2 individuals). The shape of the pyramid should be broad at the base, representing holly berries, and tapering up to the sparrowhawks.
Step 2
Calculate the difference in biomass between the robins and the sparrowhawks.
Answer
The biomass of the robins is 1500 g, and the biomass of the sparrowhawks is 800 g. To find the difference, subtract the biomass of the sparrowhawks from the biomass of the robins:
Therefore, 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
*Fleas are parasites. Describe, using two other examples, how parasites depend on host species to survive.
Answer
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Tapeworms: These parasites attach themselves to the intestines of their host animals (such as humans or other mammals) and absorb nutrients from the host’s food, depending entirely on the host for survival and reproduction.
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Mites: These tiny arthropods live on the skin or inside the bodies of their hosts, feeding on skin cells, blood, or other body fluids, which allows them to thrive at the expense of their host.