(a) Where are primary producers found in a pyramid of numbers?
Using named examples, construct a simple inverted pyramid of numbers - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 12 - 2010
Question 12
(a) Where are primary producers found in a pyramid of numbers?
Using named examples, construct a simple inverted pyramid of numbers.
(b) A paper factory pumps liq... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:(a) Where are primary producers found in a pyramid of numbers?
Using named examples, construct a simple inverted pyramid of numbers - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 12 - 2010
Step 1
Where are primary producers found in a pyramid of numbers?
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Answer
Primary producers are typically found at the base of a pyramid of numbers. In a simple inverted pyramid of numbers, for example, a tree can represent the primary producer at the base, with primary consumers such as insects feeding on the tree, and secondary consumers like birds feeding on those insects.
Step 2
To which kingdom do bacteria belong?
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Answer
Bacteria belong to the kingdom Monera or Prokaryotae.
Step 3
Give one reason why the number of bacteria increases immediately downstream from the outflow.
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The number of bacteria increases immediately downstream from the outflow due to the availability of organic effluent or sugar, which provides a rich nutrient source for bacterial growth.
Step 4
Give one reason why the number of bacteria then decreases further downstream from the outflow.
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The number of bacteria decreases further downstream as the levels of organic effluent or sugar decrease or become less available, reducing the nutrient source for the bacteria.
Step 5
Describe how the oxygen demand changes as the number of bacteria in the water changes.
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As the number of bacteria increases in the water, the oxygen demand increases because more bacteria require oxygen for respiration. Conversely, as the number of bacteria decreases, less oxygen is consumed, lowering the oxygen demand.
Step 6
Give a reason for your answer to part (iv).
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More bacteria require more O₂ for their metabolic processes, while fewer bacteria require less oxygen, directly correlating with the changes in oxygen demand.
Step 7
Explain why the curve for fish numbers is the same shape as that for oxygen concentration.
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The curve for fish numbers mirrors that of oxygen concentration because fish depend on dissolved oxygen in the water for respiration. As oxygen concentration increases, fish numbers also tend to rise, reflecting a direct relationship.
Step 8
Suggest two ways by which this oxygen may enter the water.
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Oxygen may enter the water through agitation caused by physical structures like weirs or waterfalls, and through photosynthesis from submerged aquatic plants or algae.
Step 9
Food chains are usually short.
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True: Food chains are typically short because energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient, resulting in fewer levels.
Step 10
The herbivores in an ecosystem normally live long lives.
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False: Herbivores do not necessarily live long lives, as they are often preyed upon by carnivores.
Step 11
The only remaining natural ecosystems in Ireland, for example mountain land above the heather and salt marsh, are ones for which mankind has no use.
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False: While these ecosystems may be less utilized, they can still hold ecological value and may be of interest for conservation efforts.
Step 12
HIV / AIDS has orphaned many children in sub-Saharan Africa.
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True: HIV/AIDS has led to a significant number of orphans in sub-Saharan Africa due to the loss of parents to the disease.
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