1.

The diagram shows a vertical section through an area of tropical rainforest in Malaysia.

50

P o in t A

40

30

20

10

P o in t B

The graph shows the daily fluctuations in carbon dioxide concentration at points A and B.

500
P o in t B

450

C a rb o n d io x id e
c o n c e n tr a tio n in
p a rts p e r m illio n

400
350
300
0
1200

P o in t A

1600

2000

0400
M id n ig h t

(a)

(i)

0800

1200

1600

T im e o f d a y

Explain the fluctuations in the carbon dioxide concentration which take place at
point A over a 24-hour period.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

At 1600 hours, the carbon dioxide concentrations at points A and B differ from
each other. Explain why.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Use information in the diagram to help explain why replacing rain forest with agricultural
crops will reduce the diversity of animals.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

2.

Soybeans are rich in protein. Raw soybeans, however, may contain a trypsin inhibitor. This is a
chemical which prevents the digestion of protein. The presence of this trypsin inhibitor is
A
B
C
genetically controlled. A single gene has alleles T , T and T each of which codes for a
different sort of trypsin inhibitor. These alleles are codominant so plant with the genotype
A B
T T will produce two sorts of trypsin inhibitor, inhibitor A and inhibitor B. A fourth,
o
recessive allele, T does not code for a trypsin inhibitor. This information is summarised in the
table.
Allele
A

None

T
T

T
(a)

Inhibitor produced

The inheritance of trypsin inhibitors in soybeans is an example of multiple allele

inheritance. Explain how multiple allele inheritance differs from polygenic inheritance.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

(i)

Give all the possible genotypes of a plant which only contains inhibitor A.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Give all the possible genotypes of the gametes produced by a plant which contains
inhibitors B and C.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

Two soybean plants were crossed and the seeds collected and counted. The results are
shown in the table.

(i)

Inhibitors present in seed

Number of seeds

A and B

23

25

48

Complete the genetic diagram to explain the results of this cross.

Phenotypes of parents:..................................

.......................................

Genotypes of parents:..................................

.......................................

Genotypes of gametes ......................................................................................

Genotypes of offspring: ....................................................................................

Phenotypes of offspring

Inhibitor A
and
Inhibitor B

Inhibitor A

Inhibitor B
(3)

(ii)

A chi-squared test was applied to the data collected in this investigation. Explain
why statistical tests such as the Chi-squared test should be carried out on data like
these.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

An investigation was carried out on the insects living on bean crops. The graph shows the
relationship between the biomass of primary consumers, secondary consumers and producers.

100
P rim a ry
c o n su m e rs

90
80
70
C onsu m er
b io m a s s /g m

60
2

50
40
30
20
S e c o n d a ry
c o n su m ers

10
0

(d)

200

400
600
P ro d u c e rs b io m a s s /g m

800

1000

Briefly describe how the data on the biomass of the producers might have been collected.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

(e)

(i)

In this investigation, the efficiency with which the energy in sunlight was converted
into energy in the biomass of the producers was found to be 4%. For every 10 000
kJ of light energy falling on the beans, 400 kJ was therefore converted into energy
in producer biomass. Use the data in the graph to complete the diagram below
which shows the amount of biomass in the primary consumers and the secondary
consumers.
Energy in sunlight

10 000 kJ

4%
Energy in producer biomass

400 kJ

......... %
Energy in primary consumer biomass.

...... kJ

......... %
Energy in secondary consumer biomass.

...... kJ
(2)

(ii)

Explain why not all of the energy in producer biomass can be converted into energy
in primary consumer biomass.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 14 marks)

3.

Answers should be written in continuous prose. Credit will be given for biological accuracy, the
organisation and presentation of the information and the way in which the answer is expressed.
The diagram shows part of a system designed to meet all the basic needs of a family of four
living in the tropics.

C r o p p la n ts

C ro p w a s te

S o lid w a s te
u s e d a s f e r tilis e r
U rin e a n d fa e c e s

F e rm e n te r
c o n ta in in g
b a c te ria

L iq u id w a s te

C a rb o n
d io x id e

C a ttle a n d
c h ic k e n s

A lg a e in
s h a llo w p o n d

F is h

G a s u sed as fu el fo r
c o o k in g a n d lig h tin g
U rin e a n d
faec es
H um ans
(a)

The processes which naturally form part of the nitrogen cycle can make nitrogen
contained in urine and faeces available to crop plants. Describe how these processes
occur.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(6)

(b)

Explain the advantage in this system of:

(i)

growing leguminous plants such as groundnuts or beans;

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

(ii)

stocking the pond with fish that feed on algae rather than with carnivorous fish.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 13 marks)

4.

The diagram represents annual energy flow, in kJ m year , through an aquatic ecosystem.

H e r b iv o re s
7250

14 150

D e c o m p o se rs

lo s t
9500

17 800
P ro d u cers
87 400
lo s t
7 052 600
S u n lig h t
7 140 000

(a)

Give two ways in which energy is lost between producers and herbivores.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Calculate the percentage of available sunlight trapped by the producers.

Show your working.

Answer..............................
(1)

(c)

What is the importance of decomposers to the producers?

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 4 marks)

5.

Heather is a woody plant found in many moorland areas on higher ground in Britain. Grouse are
chicken-sized birds which feed on the young shoots of heather. On many moorlands, the heather
is managed to produce better conditions for grouse. This involves burning large areas. After
burning, heather goes through the cycle of growth described below.
Pioneer phase
0-7 years

New plants grow either from

seed or from stem bases
undamaged by fire.

Building phase
7-15 years

Phase of rapid growth

producing dense cover of
heather plants.

Mature phase
15 - 25 years

Plants still growing but gaps

start to appear in the canopy.

Degenerate phase
25+ years

Branches break. Central part

of plant dies although outer
branches may remain alive.

Table 1 summarises some data collected from a study of heather plants of different ages.
Age/years

Total
2
biomass/g m

Biomass of green
2
shoots/g m

Percentage cover

Light at ground level

as percentage of light
in open

287

78

10

84

10

1508

203

85

20

1924

208

76

22

30

1043

n/a

34

56

Table 1
Key:
n/a = figures not available
(a)

To determine the total biomass, quadrats were used to collect the heather samples.
Describe the procedure you would have used to place these quadrats.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

Describe how and explain why the diversity of plant species would be likely to change
during the cycle of growth of the heather.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

(i)

Calculate the mean rate of increase in the biomass of green shoots between 10 and
20 years. Show your working.

Answer: ............................................
(2)

(ii)

Explain why the mean rate of increase in the biomass of green shoots decreases
with age.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Management of heather by burning allows an area of land to support a larger

population of grouse than if the heather is unmanaged. Use the information in Table
1 to suggest why.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

Table 2 shows the nitrogen content of heather plants, leaf litter and the soil in plots of land at
various stages after burning.
Time after
burning/years

Nitrogen content/kg ha

Heather plants

Leaf litter

Soil

59

28

5794

92

61

5952

15

192

58

5394

Table 2
(d)

(i)

Give one organic compound in which the nitrogen will be found in the heather
plants.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

10

(ii)

Give one ion in which the nitrogen will be found in the soil.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(e)

Explain how bacteria make nitrogen present in the leaf litter available to the heather
plants.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

(f)

It has been suggested that if heather moorland is to be managed by burning, this should
take place before the heather is 15 years old. Use the information in Table 2 to suggest
why.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 20 marks)

6.

Figure 1 shows a food web in a heathland ecosystem.

Fox

K e s tr e l

S h o rt- e a r e d
ow l
S to a t

V o le

R a b b it

H e a th e r
Figure 1
11

12

(a)

In this food web name the organism which has the largest population biomass.
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Figure 2 shows a pyramid of numbers representing another food web.

S eco n d ary co n su m er
P rim a ry c o n su m e r
P ro d u c e r
Figure 2
There are more secondary consumers than primary consumers in this pyramid. Suggest
one explanation for this.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

Figure 3 shows a pyramid of energy for an ecosystem. The units used are kJ m

year .

50
1500
13 000
85 000
Figure 3
(i)

Calculate the percentage of energy transferred from the secondary consumer to the
tertiary consumer.

Answer: ..............................................
(1)

13

(ii)

Give two reasons why the percentage of energy transferred between consumers is
generally low.
1.........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
2.........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

7.

(a)

The diagram shows an outline of the nitrogen cycle.

N itr o g e n g a s
in
a tm o sp h e re

P la n t
p ro te in

A n im a l
p ro te in

D e a th a n d d e c a y
in
s o il

A m m o n ia
N itr o g e n
gas

P ro c e ss X

S u b s ta n c e A

P ro c e ss Z

14

Name:
(i)

substance A;
...........................................................................................................................

(ii)

process X;
...........................................................................................................................

(iii)

process Z.
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

The table shows the yield of a crop when different levels of nitrogen fertiliser were
applied.

(i)

Nitrogen fertiliser
1
applied/ kg hectare

Yield/
1
tonnes hectare

2.8

50

3.3

100

4.2

150

4.7

200

4.7

Describe the effect that the fertiliser had on the yield of the crop.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Explain two disadvantages of applying nitrogen fertiliser at levels above 150 kg

1
hectare .
1.........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
2.........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)

15

(c)

The graphs show the range of heights of samples of two varieties of wheat grown under
the same conditions. Variety A is a modem form and Variety B is a form that was
commonly grown 100 years ago.

200

N um ber
of
p la n ts

200

150

N um ber
of
p la n ts

100
50
0

150
100
50

50

100
H e ig h t / c m

150

V a rie ty A
(i)

50

100
H e ig h t / c m

150

V a rie ty B

Name the type of variation shown in these two graphs.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Describe two differences shown in the graphs between Variety A and B.

1.........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
2.........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Suggest how the differences between the two varieties could have been brought
about.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iv)

Suggest the advantages that these differences could have for modern farmers.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
16

...........................................................................................................................
(2)

17

Assume that two genes affect the height of wheat plants and both of these genes have two
alleles. The table gives a summary of some possible genotypes and phenotypes.
Genotype

Phenotype
height of wheat/cm

AABB

100

AaBb

70

AAbb

70

aabb

40

A wheat plant that was 100 cm tall was crossed with a wheat plant that was 40 cm tall,
fertilisation occurred and the seeds were planted and grown.
(d)

Using only the information in the table, answer the following questions.
(i)

What are the genotypes of the gametes in this cross?

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

What would be the expected genotype and phenotype of the resulting offspring?
Genotype ...........................................................................................................
Phenotype ..........................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 18 marks)

18

8.

The diagram shows the flow of energy through a marine ecosystem.

2
1
The units are kJ m year .

L ig h t e n e rg y m e a s u re d a t se a su rfa c e
1 2 .5 1 0 5
6250
1000

P ro d u c e rs

R e s p ir a tio n 1 2 5 0

4000
500

P rim a ry c o n s u m e rs

R e s p ir a tio n 2 8 0 0

700
100

S ec o n d a ry c o n su m e rs

R e s p ira tio n 5 5 0

50
E n e rg y in fa e c e s
a n d d e a d o rg a n is m s
w h ic h fa ll to th e b o tto m
(a)

(i)

Calculate the percentage of the light energy at the sea surface which is converted
into chemical energy in the producers. Show your working.
(2)

(ii)

The percentage of the light energy at the sea surface which is converted into
chemical energy in the producers is very small. Give two reasons for this.
(2)

(b)

Use the information in the diagram to explain why marine ecosystems such as this rarely
have more than five trophic levels.
(2)

(c)

What happens to the energy in faeces and dead organisms which fall to the bottom of the
sea?
(2)

19

(d)

Light energy is important in the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis. The energy

changes which take place in the light-dependent reaction are shown in the diagram.

C h a in o f
e le c tro n
c a rrie rs
C h a in o f
e le c tr o n
c a rrie rs
E n e rg y
L evel

N A D P

R educed
N A D P

ATP
L ig h t

A D P + Pi
C h lo ro p h y ll
L ig h t
C h lo ro p h y ll
(i)

Describe what happens to the chlorophyll when it is struck by light.

(2)

(ii)

The weedkiller DCMU blocks the flow of electrons along the chains of electron
carriers. Describe and explain the effect this will have on the production of triose
phosphate in the light-independent reaction.
(3)

(e)

Living organisms release energy from organic molecules such as glucose during
respiration.
Much of this energy is used to produce ATP.
Explain why ATP is better than glucose as an immediate energy source for cell
metabolism.
(2)

(f)

The production of ATP is said to be coupled to the transport of electrons along the carrier
chain. Normally, electrons are only passed along the carrier chain if ADP is being
converted to ATP at the same time. When the amount of ADP in a cell is low, electrons do
not flow from reduced coenzyme to oxygen.
(i)

Suggest how the rate of respiration is linked to the needs of the cell.
(3)

(ii)

DNP is a substance which allows electron transport to take place without the
production of ATP. When DNP is given to rats, their body temperatures rise.
Explain why.
(2)
(Total 20 marks)

20

9.

Write an essay on the topic below. Credit will be given not only for biological content but also
for the organisation and presentation of the essay, and use of grammar; punctuation and
spelling.
The different ways in which living organisms obtain their nutrients.
(Total 25 marks)

10.

The graph shows the effect of different conditions on the rate of photosynthesis.

2 5 C 0 .4 % C O

1 5 C 0 .4 % C O

R a te o f
p h o to sy n th e s is

2 5 C 0 .0 1 % C O

L ig h t in te n s ity
(a)

(i)

Name the factor which is limiting photosynthesis at A.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Give a reason for your answer.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Carbon dioxide is limiting the rate of photosynthesis at B. How does the graph show this?
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

21

(c)

A commercial grower is considering increasing the temperature in a glasshouse during the

winter to 25 C. What would the grower need to consider before deciding to do this?
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

11.

The graph shows the effect of applying different amounts of nitrogen fertiliser on the yield of
wheat.

5 .0

4 .0

Y ie ld /
to n n e s h a 1
3 .0

2 .0
0 .0

20

40

60
80
100
120
140
1
N itr o g e n f e r tilis e r a p p lie d /k g h a

160

180

200

22

(i)

Calculate the percentage increase in yield obtained when the amount of nitrogen fertiliser
1
is increased from 50 to 100 kg ha . Show your working.

(2)

(ii)

It would not be advisable for a farmer to apply more than 160 kg ha

wheat crop. Use the graph to explain why.

of fertiliser to this

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Give two advantages of using an inorganic nitrogen fertiliser, rather than an organic
fertiliser.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

12.

The enviromment of crop plants can be altered to increase their growth rates and productivity.
(a)

Fields which are regularly used to grow crops must have fertilisers added to them. Explain
why
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

23

(b)

The table shows a comparison of some features of organic and inorganic fertilisers.
Feature

Organic Fertilisers

Inorganic Fertilisers

Nutrient concentration

Low

High

Solubility

Low

High

Rate of nutrient release into soil

Slow

Rapid

Using information from the table explain one disadvantage of adding inorganic rather than
organic fertiliser to farmland
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

The graph shows the rate of photosynthesis of wheat plants in different conditions inside a
glasshouse.

0 .1 2 % c a rb o n d io x id e a t 2 0 C

P o in t
A

0 .0 3 % c a rb o n d io x id e a t 3 0 C
0 .0 3 % c a rb o n d io x id e a t 2 0 C

R a te o f
p h o to s y n th e s is

L ig h t in te n s ity
Which factor is limiting the rate of photosynthesis at point A?
Explain your answer.
Factor ..........................................................................................................................
Explanation ................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

24

25

13.

(a)

Hoverfly larvae and lacewing larvae are both predators of black bean aphids. An
investigation was carried out to see which of these predators would be the better
biological control of black bean aphids.
The graphs show the results of this investigation.
F ie ld A
B la c k b e a n
a p h id s

750
N um ber of
500
in d iv id u a ls /
per m 2
250
0

F ie ld B

10
T im e /d a y s

B la c k b e a n
a p h id s

N um ber of
500
in d iv id u a ls /
per m 2
250

L a c e w in g
la rv a e

750

15

H o v e rfly
la rv a e

10
T im e /d a y s

15

It was concluded that hoverfly larvae are better for biological control of black bean
aphids. Explain the evidence from the graphs that
(i)

supports this conclusion

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................

(ii)

conflicts with this conclusion.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(5)

26

(b)

Describe and explain the ways in which weeds and insect pests reduce crop yields
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(6)
(Total 11 marks)

14.

Wheat is a cereal crop grown mainly for grain. Wheat straw consists of dead leaves and stems.
An investigation was carried out into the effect of adding nitrogen-containing fertiliser on the
yield of wheat.
M a s s o f fe r tilis e r
a d d e d /g m 2

(a)

Y ie ld / g m

G r a in

S tr a w

0 .0

478

245

6 .3

549

284

5 0 .0

622

324

Does adding 50 g m of nitrogen-containing fertiliser have a greater effect on the grain or

the straw? Use suitable calculations based on the figures in the table to support your
answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

27

(b)

(i)

When 6.3 g m of nitrogen-containing fertiliser was added, the ratio of straw to

2
grain was 0.517. Calculate the ratio of straw to grain when 50 gm of nitrogencontaining fertiliser was added. Show your working.

(2)

(ii)

Suggest why the grain to straw ratio may be important to a farmer.

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

Farmers remove weeds from land on which wheat is growing. Suggest why the yield of
wheat grain is higher if weeds are removed at the beginning of the growing season than if
they are removed later in the growing season.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

28

15.

The diagram shows the annual transfer of energy in a forest ecosystem. The figures are in
2
kJ m .

S u n lig h t
7 .1 1 0 6

A b so rb e d
b y p ro d u c e rs
4 .6 1 0 6

H e a t lo s s in
re s p ira tio n
20 000
(a)

O rg a n ic
m o le c u le s
44 090

M a te ria ls n o t
consu m ed
5840

P r im a r y
co n su m e rs

D e tr itu s
15 330

Although the producers absorb 4.6 10 kJm , only about 1% of this is transferred to
organic molecules. Suggest one reason for this.
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Calculate the energy transferred to primary consumers in this ecosystem.

................................................... kJm

(1)

(c)

Nitrogen compounds in the detritus are broken down by bacteria to ammonium ions
( NH 4 ) . Describe how ammonium ions are converted into a form that can be readily
absorbed by the producers.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

29

30

16.

(a)

Explain two environmental problems that are normally associated with large-scale
deforestation.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Logging is the removal of mature trees from a forest. The diagram shows a method of
sustainable logging of an area of tropical rainforest. Each of sectors 1 to 9 is logged in
sequence and the old growth area is never felled. Felling in each sector takes about 35
years.

1
O ld
g r o w th

8
4

9
50 km

Explain how the pattern of logging shown in the diagram would help to conserve the
rainforest community.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

17.

(a)

(i)

What is meant by biological control?

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

31

(ii)

Give two characteristics of a successful biological control agent.

1 ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

Spider mites are pests which cause damage to cucumbers that are grown in glasshouses. The
graphs show the results of an investigation into different ways of controlling spider mites. In one
glasshouse, spider mites were treated with pesticides. In another glasshouse, a predatory mite
was used as a biological control agent.
Chemical control

25
N um ber of
in d iv id u a ls
15
per 5 cm 2 of
le a f s u rfa c e
5
0

N um ber of
in d iv id u a ls
per 5 cm 2 of
le a f s u rfa c e

(b)

Feb

M ar

A pr

M ay
Ju n
M o n th

Jul

A ug

K ey
A p p lic a tio n o f
p e s tic id e
P re d a to ry m ite
S p id e r m ite

B io lo g ic a l C o n tr o l
5
0

Feb

M ar

A pr

M ay
Ju n
M o n th

Jul

A ug

Which method of controlling spider mites was more effective? Give evidence from the
graphs to support your answer.
Method .......................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Evidence .....................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

32

(c)

Neither method gets rid of the spider mites completely. Explain the reason for this for:
(i)

chemical control; ..............................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................

(ii)

biological control...............................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

18.

The diagram shows the annual flow of energy through a terrestrial ecosystem.
2
The figures are in kJ m .

S u n lig h t
4 106

(a)

G re e n p la n ts
2 .4 1 0 4

2500

H e rb iv o ro u s
in s e c ts

200

In se c tiv e ro u s
b ird s

15

P re d a to r y
b ird s

Give two reasons why very little of the sunlight energy falling on the leaves of a plant can
be used in primary production.
1 .................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
2 .................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Explain why a food chain rarely contains more than four trophic levels.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

33

34

19.

Read the following passage.

Deforestation, particularly in tropical rain forests, has proceeded at an alarming rate over the
last 60 years. In addition to local decreases in biodiversity, there have been other, global,
effects, especially on climate. Deforestation has been paralleled by an enormous rise in the
burning of fossil fuels. These two factors have been important contributors to rising levels of
carbon dioxide in the earths atmosphere and increases in global temperatures.
Recent discussions on what to do about global warming have produced two new ideas. One
is that farmers should plant trees on their land to act as carbon sinks. These would offset
increased carbon dioxide emissions by industry.

10

The second idea is that farmers should reduce the amount of ploughing they do. Ploughing
allows air to enter the soil and helps with the recycling of both carbon and nitrogen. A
reduction in ploughing would cut the oxidation of organic matter being stored in soils, which
would then act as another carbon sink.
Use information from the passage and your own knowledge to answer the following questions.
(a)

Explain how deforestation could lead to decreases in biodiversity (line 2).

....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

Explain how trees can act as carbon sinks (line 7).

....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(3)

35

(c)

(i)

Explain how a reduction in the amount of ploughing would lead to more carbon
being stored in the soil (lines 9 12).
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(4)

(ii)

Ploughing can increase the activity of nitrifying bacteria in the soil. Explain how
ploughing can do this and how the activity of nitrifying bacteria can benefit crop
plants.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 15 marks)

36

20.

The table shows the effect of a fertiliser on the amounts of straw and grain produced by wheat
plants.
Amount of fertiliser
2
added/g m

Dry mass of straw

(= stems and leaves)/
2
gm

Dry mass of grain/

2
gm

Total dry mass of

straw plus grain/
2
gm

458

252

710

2.8

465

250

715

5.6

475

247

722

11.2

497

238

735

(a)

16.8
520
223
743
(i)
Calculate the percentage increase in the total dry mass of straw plus grain when the
2
amount of fertiliser was increased from 5.6 to 16.8 g m . Show your working.

............................................... %
(2)

(ii)

Use the data in the table to describe the effect of increased application of fertiliser
on the growth of wheat plants.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

(i)

Explain how fertiliser applied to the land could enter streams and rivers.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

37

(ii)

Explain how pollution of river water with fertiliser can cause the death of fish.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

21.

The table shows some results from a study of the transfer of energy in some primary consumers
in a grassland ecosystem. All figures are in arbitrary units.
Amount of energy

mammals

insects

(C)

25.00

4.00

absorbed from the gut (A)

12.50

1.60

in faeces

(F)

12.50

2.40

in new body mass

(P)

0.25

0.64

lost in respiration

(R)

12.25

0.96

consumed in food

(a)

(i)

Type of organism

The ratio of the amount of energy lost in respiration to the amount of energy
consumed in food in the mammals is 0.49 : 1. Calculate the ratio of the amount of
energy lost in respiration to the amount of energy consumed in food in the insects.
Answer ......................................
(1)

(ii)

Suggest an explanation for the difference between these two ratios.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Use the letters C, F and P to complete the equation

R = ..............................................................................................................................
(1)

38

(c)

A higher proportion of the energy consumed in food is absorbed from the gut in secondary
consumers than in primary consumers. Suggest an explanation for this.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

22.

Read the following passage.

Early settlers used a technique known as slash and burn to clear land for growing crops. Trees
were cut down and burned and seeds of crop plants were scattered on the cleared land. After a
few years, crop growth was usually so poor that people would move on and repeat the process.
At low human population densities there was no long-term damage to the forest as the cleared
areas of land had a chance to recover once people had left.
With an increase in human population, and over periods of time, large areas of forest have been
destroyed. Modern developments have made possible greater yields from an area of land and
farming has become more intensive. To maintain soil fertility, farmers now add fertilisers to the
soil.
Use information from the passage and your own knowledge to answer the following questions.
(a)

Explain how the process of slash and burn would affect the availability of carbon in the
atmosphere.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Explain how bare, cleared land could once again become forest.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

39

(c)

Fertiliser, such as manure, contains ammonium compounds. Explain how the presence of
soil bacteria and the use of manure improve crop yield.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(6)

(d)

Explain the advantages of conserving a forest ecosystem.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 15 marks)

40

23.

The adult whitefly and its larva feed on the leaves of crop plants. A parasitic wasp lays its eggs
inside the whitefly larva. When the wasp larvae hatch, they feed on the internal organs of the
whitefly larva. The wasp can be released into glasshouses to act as a biological control for the
whitefly.
(a)

How would the whitefly reduce the yield of a crop plant?

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

(i)

Give two reasons why biological control might be better than the use of chemical
pesticides for controlling whitefly.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Give two reasons why the use of chemical pesticides might be better than biological
control of the whitefly.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

41

24.

The graph shows the effect of nitrogen fertiliser on the yield of maize.

14
13
12
Y ie ld / 1 1
m 3 h a 1
10
9
8
7
6

50

100

150

200

250

A m o u n t o f n itro g e n
fe r tilis e r / k g h a 1
(a)

Calculate the percentage increase in the yield of maize when the fertiliser application was
1
increased from 10 to 60 kg ha . Show your working.

Answer ....................................... %
(2)

(b)

The percentage increase in yield of maize decreases at higher fertiliser applications.

Suggest two reasons why.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

42

25.

Some ways of clearing forest for agriculture are described as sustainable. The diagram shows
one way in which agriculture can continue indefinitely on infertile forest soils.

P r im a r y fo r e s t

S e c o n d a ry fo re st
re g ro w s . N u trie n t
le v e ls r e s to r e d in
8 -10 y ears.

N e x t s e a s o n 's f i e l d s .
S e c o n d a ry fo re s t c le a re d
a n d b u rn t. S o m e n itro g e n c o n ta in in g s u b s ta n c e s
lo s t in s m o k e

A bandoned
fie ld s

R iv e r

H u ts

(a)

C u ltiv a te d f ie ld

One way to catch flying insects is to trap them on a sticky surface.

(i)

Describe how you could use sticky traps to compare the diversity of flying insects
in the primary forest and in a cultivated field.
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
(4)

43

(ii)

Describe and explain how the diversity of insects in the primary forest would differ
from the diversity of insects in the cultivated field.
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
(4)

(b)

Use your knowledge of nitrogen cycling to explain

(i)

why crops can be grown in the cleared field for only two or three years;
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

how the concentration of nitrates in the soil is restored 8 - 10 years after cultivation
is abandoned.
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 15 marks)

44

45

26.

Two fields, A and B, were used to grow the same crop. The fields were divided into plots.
Different masses of fertiliser containing sodium nitrate were applied to these plots. After six
weeks, samples of crop plants from each plot were collected and their mass determined. The
results are shown in the table.
Mass of fertiliser
added/kg ha

(a)

Mass of crop/kg m

Field A - used for grazing cattle

in previous year

Field B - used for same crop in

previous year

14.5

6.4

10

16.7

9.8

20

17.4

12.9

30

17.5

16.2

40

17.5

17.1

50

17.5

17.1

60

17.5

17.1

(i)

Describe the pattern shown by the data for field B.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Explain the change in the mass of crop produced from field B when the mass of
1
fertiliser added increases from 0 to 20 kg ha .
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Explain why the mass of crop produced stays the same in both fields when more
than 40 kg of fertiliser is added.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

46

(b)

In the previous year, field A had been used for grazing cattle. Field B had been used to
grow the same crop as this year. When no fertiliser was added, the mass of crop from field
A was higher than from field B. Explain this difference.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Explain two advantages and one disadvantage of an inorganic fertiliser such as sodium
nitrate compared with an organic fertiliser such as manure.
Advantage 1 ...............................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
Advantage 2 ...............................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
Disadvantage .............................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 10 marks)

27.

(a)

Insecticides are pesticides which kill insects. A low concentration of insecticide was
sprayed on the leaves of rose plants to kill greenfly which were feeding on the plants.
Ladybirds eat greenfly. One month after spraying, the concentration of insecticide in the
tissues of ladybirds was found to be higher than the concentration sprayed on the rose
plants. Explain why.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

47

(b)

Spotted knapweed is a common weed in the USA. Two methods, chemical control and
biological control, have been used to reduce the numbers of spotted knapweed plants.
The table shows the results of an investigation comparing the effectiveness of these two
methods.
Month

(i)

Mean number of spotted knapweed plants per m

Chemical control

Biological control

February

March

15

April

May

20

June

July

16

August

Describe the pattern of plant numbers resulting from the use of

chemical control; ........................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

biological control. .......................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Explain how chemical control leads to the changes in the number of spotted
knapweed plants from March to June.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

48

(c)

Explain why the spotted knapweed plants were never completely eliminated when using
(i)

chemical control;
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

biological control.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 10 marks)

28.

The diagram shows the transfer of energy through a cow. The figures are in kJ 10 year .

R = 3 0 .5 1
P = .........
A = 3 4 .2 8

U = 0 .0 3
F = 5 7 .0 6

C = 9 1 .3 4

Key:

(a)

A = energy absorbed from the gut

C = energy consumed in food
F = energy lost in faeces
P = energy used in production of new tissue
R = energy lost by respiration
U = energy lost in urine
(i)

Complete the following equation for the energy used in the production of new
tissue. Use only the letters C, F, R and U.
P = ...........................................................................................................................
(1)

49

(ii)

Calculate the value of P.

P = ................................... kJ 10 year

(1)

(b)

It has been estimated that an area of 8100 m of grassland is needed to keep one cow. The
2
1
productivity of grass is 21 135 kJ m year . What percentage of the energy in the grass is
used in the production of new tissue in one cow? Show your working.

Answer ....................................... %
(2)

(c)

Keeping cattle indoors, in barns, leads to a higher efficiency of energy transfer.

Explain why.
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

29.

The soybean is a leguminous plant. The effect of nitrate fertiliser and of the nitrogen-fixing
bacterium, Rhizobium, on the growth of soybeans and on the growth of one species of grass was
investigated. The soybeans and grass seeds were sown together in pots of soil in five different
proportions. They were then treated with different combinations of nitrate fertiliser and
Rhizobium bacteria, as follows:
Batch A: no Rhizobium, no nitrate fertiliser
Batch B: Rhizobium added, no nitrate fertiliser
Batch C: no Rhizobium, nitrate fertiliser added
Batch D: Rhizobium added, nitrate fertiliser added

50

The dry masses of the soybean plants and of the grass were determined after 6 months of
growth. The results are shown in the graphs.
A : n o R h iz o b iu m , n o n itra te

B : + R h iz o b iu m , n o n itra te

60

60

50

50

40
D ry
m ass / g
30

40
D ry
m ass / g
30

20

20

10

10

G ra ss
0
1
2
3
4
N u m b e r o f g rass se e d s

Soybean

8
6
4
2
0
N um ber of soybeans
C : n o R h iz o b iu m , + n itra te
50

50

20
10
0

40
D ry
m ass / g
30

G rass

20
Soybean
0
3
1
2
4
N u m b e r o f g rass se e d s
8
6
4
2
0
N um ber of soybeans

(a)

0
1
2
3
4
N u m b e r o f g rass se e d s

D : + R h iz o b iu m , + n itra te
60

G rass

G rass

8
6
4
2
0
N um ber of soybeans

60

40
D ry
m ass / g
30

Soybean

10
0

Soybean
0
3
1
2
4
N u m b e r o f g rass se e d s
8
6
4
2
0
N um ber of soybeans

Did Rhizobium bacteria have any effect on the growth of the grass? Give evidence from
graphs C and D for your answer.
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
(1)

51

(b)

Can the soybean make use of nitrogen supplied in the form of nitrate fertiliser?
Give evidence from the graphs for your answer.
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Describe and explain the effect of Rhizobium bacteria on the growth of soybeans.
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)

30.

(a)

Fertilisers are added to soils to replace the nutrients lost when crops are harvested.
Give two advantages of using
(i)

an organic fertiliser such as farmyard manure;

1 ....................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
2 .................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

an inorganic fertiliser.
1 .....................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
2 .........................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)

52

(b)

The table shows the effects of adding manure or inorganic fertiliser to some crops grown
in plots.
Yield of crop / tonnes per hectare
Crop

(i)

Control plot

Farmyard
manure only

Inorganic
fertiliser only

Sugar beet

3.8

15.6

15.6

Mangold

3.8

22.3

30.9

Wheat

2.1

3.5

3.1

How should the control plot be treated?

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Suggest why inorganic fertiliser improved the yield of the mangold crop more than
the sugar beet crop.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)

31.

Phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthesising organisms which live in water. In favourable

environmental conditions they have a very high rate of reproduction. They are eaten by
microscopic animals called zooplankton. In an investigation, samples of water were removed
from a lake at intervals over a twelve-month period and the biomasses of these organisms were
determined. The results are shown in the graph.

53

B io m a s s

P h y to p la n k to n

Z o o p la n k to n
Jan F eb M ar A pr M ay Jun Jul A ug S ep O ct N ov D ec
M o n th

54

The diagram shows the relationship between the biomass of the phytoplankton and the biomass
of the zooplankton for one of the months during this investigation.

Z o o p la n k to n
P h y to p la n k to n
(a)

Use the graph to give one month in which this relationship would have been found.
...................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Explain why the biomass of the primary consumers is less than the biomass of the
producers in most communities.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

Explain why the biomass of the phytoplankton in the lake could be less than that of the
zooplankton, as shown in the diagram.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

55

32.

(a)

Substances found in fallen leaves contain the elements carbon and nitrogen.
Explain how the activities of decomposers and nitrifying bacteria recycle the substances in
fallen leaves for re-use by the trees.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(7)

(b)

Explain how the felling and burning of trees on a large scale could affect the concentration
of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(2)

56

(c)

Both rapidly-growing softwood trees and slow-growing hardwood trees grow in tropical
rainforests. The seeds of both kinds of tree lie dormant on the floor of a mature forest and
only germinate when exposed to light and warmth. However, the seedlings of many
hardwood species grow more successfully beneath the protective canopy of the softwood
trees.
When a small area of trees has been cut down, it can return naturally to tropical rainforest.
Suggest and explain how re-establishment of the rainforest ecosystem may occur in such
areas.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(6)
(Total 15 marks)

57

33.

Since 1965 there has been a steady rise in the phosphate concentration in the water of Lake
Windermere. Scientists have monitored the phosphate concentration and plant biomass over a
period of time. The results are shown in the graphs.
30

20
P h o s p h a te
c o n c e n tra tio n /
g d m 3

10

0
1955

1965

1975

1985

1995

1965

1975
Year

1985

1995

30

P la n t
20
b io m a s s /
a rb itra ry
u n its
10

0
1955
(a)

Suggest one source of the phosphate in the lake.

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Calculate the percentage decrease in plant biomass between 1985 and 1995.
Show your working.

Answer ............................................
(2)

58

59

(c)

From these graphs, a student concluded that changes in phosphate concentration caused
changes in plant biomass. Explain why this conclusion may not be valid.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(d)

Between 1982 and 1992 the number of fish in the lake decreased. Explain how the change
in phosphate concentration may have resulted in this decrease in the fish population.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(6)

(e)

(i)

One plant which has grown in the lake is blanket weed. It could be controlled by the
use of herbicides. Give two disadvantages of this method of control.
1 .......................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

60

(ii)

Small freshwater shrimps could be added to eat the blanket weed. They would act
as a biological control. Suggest one reason why adding the shrimps would not clear
the lake of blanket weed.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 15 marks)

34.

The herring is a fish found in the North Sea. In the food chain below, the figures represent
3
biomass. The units are g m .

(a)

P h y to p la n k to n

Z o o p la n k to n

H e rrin g

4 .0

2 1 .0

1 .7

Sketch and label a pyramid of biomass to represent this food chain.

(1)

(b)

In this food chain, the phytoplankton reproduce very rapidly. Suggest why this rapid rate
of reproduction is essential to sustain the food chain.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 3 marks)

61

35.

(a)

Explain how large-scale deforestation for agriculture would lead to a decrease in the
diversity of organisms in the area.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Explain how large-scale deforestation could

(i)

increase the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in the area;

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................

(ii)

decrease the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in the area.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

36.

(a)

The table shows the effect of different concentrations of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser on
the yield of spinach plants.

Nitrogen fertiliser applied / kg ha

Yield / tonnes ha
(i)

40

110

160

210

260

310

360

13

18

22

24

26

26

Describe and explain the effect of adding inorganic nitrogen fertiliser on the yield
of spinach.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

62

(ii)

Give two advantages of using an inorganic fertiliser, rather than manure.

1 .......................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Fertilisers may leach out of farmland into freshwater streams and lakes. Explain how this
can be harmful to the environment.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(6)

A laboratory investigation was carried out into the relationship between a population of
glasshouse whitefly and its wasp parasite. The results are shown in the graph.

63

G la s s h o u s e w h ite fly

N um ber
p e r u n it
a rea

P a ra s ite

10
G e n e ra tio n s

15

20

64

(c)

(i)

Explain the changes which took place in both populations between generations 6
and 13.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

65

(ii)

The wasp parasite could be used as a biological control agent for the glasshouse
whitefly. What is biological control?
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 15 marks)

66

37.

A food chain found in oak woodland is shown below.

Organism

Oak Tree

Trophic level

Aphid

Hoverfly

Great tit

Parasitic mite

The pyramid of numbers and pyramid of biomass representing this food chain are shown in the
diagram.
T ro p h ic
le v e l

P y ra m id o f
n u m b e rs

P y ra m id o f
b io m a s s

E
D
C
B
A

67

(a)

Not all the light energy entering the leaves of the oak tree is used in photosynthesis. Give
one reason for this.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

68

(b)

Give two ways in which energy is lost between trophic levels A and B.
1 .................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
2 .................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)

69

(c)

Explain the difference between the shapes of the two pyramids at trophic levels D and E.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

70

38.

Deforestation often involves clearing large areas of forest for use as agricultural land.
(a)

Deforestation reduces the diversity index of an area cleared in this way. Explain why.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

71

(b)

Because the forest soil is often nutrient-poor, nitrogen-containing fertilisers may be

applied to ensure good crop yields. Use your knowledge of the nitrogen cycle to explain
the potential benefit of applying a fertiliser containing ammonium nitrate rather than one
containing potassium nitrate.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

72

39.

Detritivorous insects feed on the dead remains of plants. Some students estimated the numbers
of detritivorous insects at two different sites in an ecosystem. They also obtained data about the
net primary production of the sites to see if this influenced the numbers of insects present. Net
primary production is a measure of plant biomass formed per year. The results are shown in the
table.
Site

Number of insects
2
per m

Net primary production /

2 1
gm y

316

1440

90

550

73

(a)

Explain how the students could use the mark-release-recapture technique to estimate the
numbers of insects.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

74

(b)

The students used the chi-squared ( ) test to test the hypothesis that there was no
significant difference between the numbers of insects per square metre at sites A and B.
2
The value they obtained was 125.8. They checked this value in tables.
(i)

How many degrees of freedom should they check against?

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

75

(ii)

What level of probability is normally used to judge whether a difference is

statistically significant?
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

76

(iii)

The value of for the 0.001 level of probability for this number of degrees of
freedom is 10.8. What does the value obtained by the students suggest about the
difference in numbers of the insects per square metre between the two sites?
Explain your answer.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

77

(c)

(i)

Explain why the net primary production of an area does not represent the total
amount of plant biomass formed per year by photosynthesis.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

78

(ii)

Suggest how the difference in net primary production of sites A and B might
explain the difference in the number of insects between the sites.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

79

(iii)

Explain the role of bacteria in making carbon in dead plant remains available to
plants.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 15 marks)

80

40.

Purple loosestrife is a plant which grows in Europe. It was introduced into the USA where it
became a pest.
(a)

Suggest why purple loosestrife became a pest when it was introduced into the USA, but is
not a pest in Europe.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

81

(b)

A European beetle was tested to see whether it could be used for the biological control of
purple loosestrife in the USA. In an investigation, beetles were released in an area where
purple loosestrife was a pest. The table shows some of the results.
Time after
releasing
beetles / years

Mean number of purple

loosestrife stems per
square metre

Mean number of
beetles per square
metre

22

40

68

62

Are the beetles effective in controlling purple loosestrife? Give evidence from the table to
support your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

82

(c)

Fire-ants are a serious pest in parts of the USA. An investigation was carried out to find
the best way to control the fire-ant population. The graph shows the results of this
investigation.
120
100
80
In s e c tic id e o n ly

P e rc e n ta g e
o f in itia l
60
p o p u la tio n
40

In s e c tic id e fo llo w e d b y
b io lo g ic a l c o n tro l

20
0

T im e a fte r tre a tm e n t w ith in s e c tic id e / y e a rs

In s e c tic id e
a p p lie d

83

(i)

Describe the effect of using insecticide followed by biological control.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

84

(ii)

Explain the change in fire-ant population over the period when they were treated
with an insecticide alone.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(d)

Give the advantages and disadvantages of using biological control.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(6)
(Total 15 marks)

85

41.

Phytoplankton and zooplankton were both found in a lake. Phytoplankton are unicellular
protoctistans. Zooplankton are small animals that feed on the phytoplankton.
The biomass of the phytoplankton and zooplankton per cubic metre of water was estimated on
several occasions over a period of three months. These data were used to calculate the
productivity of the phytoplankton and zooplankton. In this instance, productivity was described
as the amount of biomass produced per cubic metre per day.
(i)

What calculation would have to be made to find the productivity of the phytoplankton?
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

The ratio of productivity of phytoplankton to productivity of zooplankton per year in this

lake was 9.2 : 1. How is this figure consistent with the principles of energy transfer
through an ecosystem?
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 3 marks)

86

42.

When fertilisers are applied to fields next to a lake, nitrogen-containing substances from the
fertilisers get into the lake.
(a)

(i)

Describe how the nitrogen-containing substances get into the lake.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

It takes longer for the nitrogen-containing substances to get into the lake when an
organic fertiliser is used than when an inorganic fertiliser is used. Explain why it
takes longer when an organic fertiliser is used.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Describe how the presence of nitrates in a lake may eventually lead to the death of fish.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 7 marks)

87

43.

In the activated sludge method of sewage treatment, organic matter in untreated sewage supplies
nutrients to bacteria in the treatment tank. These bacteria include decomposers and nitrifying
bacteria. The bacteria are eaten by ciliated protoctistans, which are, in turn, eaten by carnivorous
protoctistans.
(a)

(i)

Sketch and label a pyramid of energy for the organisms found in the treatment tank.

(1)

88

(ii)

Explain what causes this pyramid of energy to be this shape.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

(i)

Explain the roles of the decomposers and the nitrifying bacteria in converting
nitrogen in organic compounds in the sewage into a soluble, inorganic form.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

Nitrifying bacteria are one kind of bacteria that are important in the nitrogen cycle;
nitrogen-fixing bacteria are another kind. Describe the part played by nitrogenfixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

89

(c)

The organic matter in untreated sewage consists of small particles, which are suspended in
water. Activated sludge consists of solid lumps (flocs) of organic matter and bacteria.
When the two are mixed in the treatment tank, bacteria from the flocs become dispersed in
the water and feed on the suspended organic matter, converting it to flocs. Different types
of ciliated protoctistans feed on the bacteria.

Free-swimming protoctistans are able to move throughout the tank.

Crawling protoctistans can only move over the surface of the flocs.

The diagram shows the change in the nature of the organic matter in the treatment tank
and the changes in the numbers of the different types of organisms present.
D is p e rs e d b a c te ria

B a c te ria o n flo c k s

N um ber of
b a c te ria

N um ber of
p ro to c tis ta n s

F re e s w im m in g
C ra w lin g

N a tu re o f
o rg a n ic
m a tte r in
ta n k
T im e
M a in ly s u s p e n d e d

M a in ly flo c k s

90

(i)

Explain the changes in the numbers of dispersed bacteria and the numbers of freeswimming protoctistans.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

Explain how the changes that occur in the treatment tank illustrate the process of
succession.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 15 marks)

91

44.

Ions of metals such as zinc often pollute rivers. The effect of zinc ions on gas exchange and
respiration in fish was investigated. Fish were kept in tanks of water in a laboratory.
The fish in one group (X) had a solution of a zinc compound injected directly into their blood
and were then put in a tank of zinc-free water. A second group (Y) was not injected but had the
solution of the zinc compound added to the water in the tank.
The partial pressure of oxygen in the blood of both groups of fish was then monitored. The
results are shown in the graph.
12
G ro u p X
Z in c in b lo o d
10

8
P a rtia l p re s s u re
o f o x y g e n in
b lo o d le a v in g
6
th e g a s e x c h a n g e
su rfa c e / k P a
4
G ro u p Y
Z in c in w a te r
2

15
12
T im e / h

18

21

24

27

Z in c
g iv e n
(a)

During this investigation, the water temperature in the tanks was kept constant. Explain
why changes in the water temperature might lead to the results of the investigation being
unreliable.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

92

(b)

The results from the two groups were compared using a statistical test.
(i)

Suggest a null hypothesis that could be tested.

...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Explain why it is important to use a statistical test in analysing the results of this
investigation.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Two suggestions were made to explain the results shown in the graph.
A

Zinc ions reduce the rate at which oxygen is taken up from the water and
passes into the blood.

Zinc ions reduce the ability of haemoglobin to transport oxygen.

Which of these suggestions is the more likely? Explain the evidence from the graph
that supports your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(d)

During the investigation, the pH of the blood was also monitored. It decreased in group Y.
Suggest an explanation for this decrease in pH.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

93

(e)

Leaves were collected from sycamore trees growing in a polluted wood and the
concentration of some metal ions in samples of these leaves was measured. Woodlice were
then fed with the leaves. After 20 weeks, the concentration of the ions in the bodies of the
woodlice was measured. Some of the results are shown in the table.
Concentration of ions / g g
Copper

Cadmium

Zinc

Lead

Leaves

52

26

1430

908

Woodlice

1130

525

1370

132

(i)

Which of the elements shown in the table is concentrated most by the woodlice?
Use suitable calculations to support your answer.

(2)

(ii)

Suggest what happens to most of the lead ions in the leaves eaten by the woodlice.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)

Explain the difference in the copper ion concentration between the leaves and the
woodlice.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(f)

Yorkshire fog is a species of grass. Two varieties of Yorkshire fog were studied. One
variety was tolerant to arsenic, while the other variety was not. In a series of
investigations, it was found that
Arsenic-tolerant plants grow in soil which contains a high concentration of arsenic.
Arsenic-tolerant plants growing in soil containing high concentrations of arsenic and
phosphorus-containing compounds have very low concentrations of arsenic in their
cells. They also have low concentrations of phosphates in their cells. Arsenic and
phosphorus are chemically similar.
Plants that are not tolerant to arsenic grow poorly on soil which has a high
concentration of both arsenic and phosphorus-containing compounds.
94

 Tolerance to arsenic in Yorkshire fog is caused by a single gene with the allele, a, for
tolerance recessive to the allele, A, for non-tolerance.
(i)
What caused the allele for tolerance to first arise?
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Give two functions of phosphates in plant cells.

1 ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Arsenic-tolerant Yorkshire fog plants are very rare in areas with low concentrations
of arsenic in the soil, even where the soil has a high concentration of phosphate.
Explain why they are unable to compete in these conditions with plants that are not
tolerant to arsenic.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 20 marks)

45.

95

S o la r e n e rg y n o t u s e d
in p h o to s y n th e s is

T o ta l
so la r
e n erg y
7 000 000

77 000

E n e rg y lo s t

12 500

E n e rg y lo s t

90 000

(a)

6 910 000

F irs t
tr o p h ic
le v e l

Second
tro p h ic
le v e l

T h ird
tro p h ic
le v e l

(A ll u n its a r e in k ilo jo u le s p e r s q u a re m e tre p e r y e a r)

Suggest two reasons why not all of the solar energy can be used in photosynthesis.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

(i)

Calculate the amount of energy available to the third trophic level.

..............................
(1)

(ii)

Describe one way in which energy is lost from the first trophic level.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(iii)

Suggest one reason why the energy loss from the first trophic level is greater than
that from the second trophic level.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

96

46.

Dieldrin is an organochlorine pesticide. It was used to treat wheat grain before planting.
An investigation was carried out to find the effect of treated wheat grain on the dieldrin
concentration in the tissues of mice living in wheat fields. Mice were trapped before and after
the treated wheat was planted. One line of traps was in the grass border of the field. Another was
in the area planted with wheat.
Period

Location
of traps

Number of
mice
caught

Number of mice
analysed

Mean dieldrin
content of mice /
ppm

Before
sowing

In grass
border

11

0.15

Before
sowing

In planted
area

15

0.23

After
sowing

In grass
border

18

6.49

After
sowing

In planted
area

18

10.96

(a)

(i)

Calculate the percentage change in mean dieldrin concentration in the tissues of

mice from each of the two areas. Show your working.

P e rc e n ta g e c h a n g e in
g ra ss b o rd e r
(ii)

P e rc e n ta g e c h a n g e in
p la n te d a re a

(2)

Suggest one explanation for the different dieldrin content of mice trapped in the
two areas after sowing.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Suggest one reason why the results of the investigation might be unreliable.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
97

(1)

(c)

Suggest an explanation for the fact that the use of dieldrin is now banned in this country.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

47.

(a)

The diagram shows part of a food web in a marine ecosystem.

S and eel
7 0 % o f d ie t

P h y to p la n k to n

B a r n a c le la r v a
2 1 % d ie t

H e rrin g

C o rm o ra n t

Draw and label a pyramid of numbers for the food chain.

Phytoplankton

Barnacle larva

Herring -

Cormorant.

(1)

(b)

Explain, in terms of energy, why food chains with the fewest steps are most efficient.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

98

(c)

If the barnacle population were to decrease as a result of pollution. explain how the
herring population may be affected.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)

48.

The expanding human population places increasing demands on limited resources to satisfy food
production. Farmers employ a variety of methods to eliminate crop-destroying pests in order to
increase food production. In the short term, chemical sprays have proved an effective method.
However, the use of chemicals, particularly broad spectrum compounds, has caused problems.
For this and other reasons alternative methods of controlling pests are now being used.
Integrated pest management utilises chemical and biological control methods, together with a
number of agricultural practices, e.g. crop rotation and planting pest-resistant varieties. Pestresistant varieties have been produced by many years of selective breeding and more recently by
genetic engineering.
(a)

Explain what is meant by biological control, and describe one example of how
biological control has been used to control a specific pest.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

99

(b)

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using biological methods, rather than
chemicals, to control pests.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

(c)

Briefly describe the process of genetic engineering and suggest one advantage it has
compared to selective breeding.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 12 marks)

100

49.

The rhinoceros beetle is a pest which damages coconut palms growing on South Pacific islands.
One method of control is to introduce a virus which kills the beetles. The virus was first used on
the island of Tonga in 1971. The table shows the results of surveys of rhinoceros beetle damage
to palm trees carried out at two sites in 1971 and 1978.
Site

(a)

1971
Number of palm Number of palm
trees examined
trees damaged
by beetles

1978
Number of palm
Number of palm
trees examined
trees damaged
by beetles

289

48

302

23

226

34

278

28

The virus was introduced at sites A and B. At site A the virus was introduced as part of an
integrated pest management scheme.
Was the introduction of the virus more successful at site A or at site B?
Support your answer with suitable calculations from the data in the table.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

(i)

Suggest two techniques which could be combined with the introduction of

the virus to produce effective pest management schemes.
1. ........................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
2. ........................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Explain the benefits of an integrated pest management scheme.

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2}

101

(c)

Introduction of the virus is an example of biological control.

Explain two possible limitations of biological control methods.
1. .................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2. .................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

50.

(a)

Why do plants need ions which contain nitrogen?

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

(i)

Explain why it is necessary for farmers to apply fertilisers to land that is used
annually to grow a cereal crop.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Explain what is meant by the law of diminishing returns with respect to the
application of artificial fertilisers.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

102

(c)

The graph shows the relationship between nitrate application to farmland and the
concentration of nitrate in a nearby reservoir.

25
N itra te
c o n c e n tra tio n
20
in re s e rv o ir
/m g p e r litre
15

125

N itr a te
a p p lic a tio n to
1 0 0 fa rm la n d
/k g p e r h e c ta r e
75 per year

10

50

25

0
1960

(i)

1965

1970

1975
Y ear

1980

1985

1990

0
N itra te a p p lic a tio n
to fa rm la n d
N itra te c o n c e n tr a tio n
in re s e rv o ir

Explain why there was an overall increase in the concentration of nitrate of nitrate
in the reservoir between 1960 and 1990.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Suggest one explanation for the large fall in nitrate concentration in the reservoir
between 1982 and 1984.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

103

(d)

Explain why there is concern at the amount of nitrates being leached into rivers, lakes and
reservoirs.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 12 marks)

51.

The flow chart summarises what happens to the energy in food eaten by a cow. The figures on
the right-hand side of the diagram refer to the percentage of the total amount of energy in the
food.

E n e rg y in fo o d

100
Faeces

30

G a s e s re le a se d
d u r in g d ig e s tio n

U rin e

E n e rg y fo r m e ta b o lism
E n e rg y fo r
m o v e m e n t,
h e a t,e tc
N e t e n e rg y a v a ila b le
f o r f o r m a tio n o f
n e w tis s u e
(a)

(i)

23
35

What is represented by Box X?

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Write a simple equation summarising the relationship between energy for

metabolism (M), net energy (N) and energy from respiration (R).
...........................................................................................................................
104

(1)

(b)

Higher yields can be produced from cows if they are kept in heated sheds rather than
allowed to live outside. Use the information in the flow chart to suggest one explanation
for this.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

The amount of beef that can be produced from a given area of land is less than the amount
of a plant crop such as wheat. Use your knowledge of food chains to explain why.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)

52.

The diagram represents the cycling of nitrogen on a dairy farm. The width of the arrows
represents the relative amount of nitrogen.

G ra ss
c ro p

N itr a te s
in so il

C a ttle

M ilk

F e rtilis e r

L o ss fro m s o il
(a)

Not all of the nitrate is taken up by the grass crop. Some is lost from the soil.
Give two ways in which nitrate may be lost from the soil.
1...................................................................................................................................
2...................................................................................................................................
(1)

105

(b)

Use information from the diagram to explain why it is necessary for a farmer to add
fertiliser in order to maintain production of milk.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Complete the flow chart below to show the pathway by which nitrogen in the urine and
faeces of cattle is converted into a form suitable for uptake by the grass crop.
Indicate on your flow chart the type of bacterium responsible for each step.

N itr o g e n in
u rin e a n d fa e c e s

(2)
(Total 5 marks)

106

53.

The graph shows the nitrate concentration in a river over a period of one calendar year.

50

C o n c e n tra tio n
o f n itr a te
io n s/m g d m 3

40

30

20

10

M o n th
(a)

(i)

Describe the variation in nitrate concentration shown in the graph.

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Suggest two possible explanations for a rise in nitrate concentration in the river.
1. .......................................................................................................................
2. .......................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Explain how each of the following could account for falling nitrate concentration.
(i)

algal growth
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

107

(ii)

biological denitrification
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

54.

Sand shrimps are crustaceans which live and feed in the surface layers of sand and mud in
estuaries. The graph (Figure 1) shows the range of temperature and salt concentration in which
these sand shrimps can survive.

F ig u re 1

30

R a n g e in
w h ic h s a n d
S h r im p s s u rv iv e

20
T e m p e ra tu re /C

10

0
0

2
3
4
S a lt c o n c e n tr a tio n /%

108

Figure 2 shows a sketch map of a tropical estuary where sand shrimps live. The salt
concentration varies as the tide goes in and out, and as different volumes of sea water mix with
the fresh water from the river. Below the map is a graph which shows the maximum and
minimum salt concentrations at different points along the estuary.

F ig u re 2
K ey

A re a w h e re
s a n d s h r im p s
a re fo u n d

O pen
sea

R iv e r
F u r th e s t
p o in t re a c h e d
b y tid e

A re a s e x p o se d
a t lo w tid e

P e rm a n e n t
flo w o f w a te r

4
3
S a lt
c o n c e n tr a tio n / 2
%

M a x im u m
M in im u m

1
0
(a)

D is ta n c e

Use the information given to explain

(i)

the presence of sand shrimps at A;

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................

(ii)

the absence of sand shrimps at B;

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................

(iii)

the absence of sand shrimps at C.

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

(i)

Another species of crustacean, Y, can tolerate only salt concentrations below 1.5%
and temperatures below 20 C. Mark on the map, with a Y, one place where species
Y might live.
(1)

109

(ii)

Suggest how having different ranges of tolerance enables both species of crustacean
to survive in the same estuary.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

Suggest two abiotic factors, other than salt concentration and temperature, that you would
expect to show significant variation at point A on the map.
1. .................................................................................................................................
2. .................................................................................................................................
(2)

(d)

The annual biomass production per square metre is much higher in the estuary than on the
land around the estuary. The mean length of the food chains in the estuary is also greater.
Suggest an explanation for the estuary having longer food chains.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

55.

Table A shows the nitrogen input on a dairy farm. Table B shows what happens to this nitrogen.
Table A
Table B
Nitrogen input

Nitrogen content/
kg per hectare

Fate of nitrogen

Nitrogen content/
kg per hectare

Inorganic fertiliser
and manure
Animal food

259

In plants

112

60

In milk and meat

67

Fixation

19

Leaching

56

Total

338

Denitrification

55

Released to air as ammonia

48

Total

338

(a)

Calculate the percentage of the total nitrogen input incorporated into milk and meat.

...................%
(1)

110

(b)

(i)

Use the data to explain why dairy farmers use fertilisers.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

A farmer plants clover, which is a leguminous plant, in the fields used for grazing
cattle. Explain how the clover might affect the amount of fertiliser that the farmer
needs to use.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

Explain how environmental damage may arise from leaching of fertiliser.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 7 marks)

111

56.

In an investigation of food chains in an area of grassland, an experimental plot was treated with
a solution containing radioactive phosphate. The phosphate was taken up by the plants and their
tissues became radioactive.
The bar chart shows the concentrations of radioactive phosphate in the tissues of the plants, the
herbivores and the carnivores in the plot over the next six weeks.

K ey

C o n c e n tr a tio n
o f ra d io a c tiv e
p h o s p h a te
in tis s u e s

P la n ts
H e r b iv o re s
C a rn iv o re s

1
(a)

3
4
T im e /w e e k s

The radioactive phosphate was absorbed by the plant and incorporated into organic
compounds. Name two phosphorus-containing organic compounds and describe their
importance in plants.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

(b)

(i)

Describe and explain the changes in the concentrations of radioactive phosphate in

the tissues of the plants and the herbivores over the sixweek period.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(4)

112

(ii)

Suggest one way in which microorganisms are involved in recycling phosphorus

contained in the tissues of dead carnivores.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

If radioactive carbon had been used for this investigation, a much lower proportion would
be passed on to the organisms in the next trophic level. Suggest why.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 12 marks)

57.

Over most of the last 2000 years, agricultural practices in Britain have resulted in an increase in
the number of species compared to the original climax forest. Modern intensive agriculture,
however, is leading to a reduction in the number of invertebrate species such as insects.
(a)

Explain how each of the following activities associated with modern farming might
reduce the number of species of invertebrate animal.
(i)

the use of herbicides

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................

(ii)

using large areas for the growth of single crops

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(4)

113

(b)

Intensive agricultural production in the European Community resulted in a surplus of

some crops. One solution to this has been to pay farmers to set-aside some of their land
by neither planting crops nor grazing animals on it. Describe what will happen to an area
of land which is set aside and not returned to agriculture.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 8 marks)

58.

(a)

Describe how one named parasite or predator is used successfully in the biological control
of a named pest.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Most cases of successful biological control using parasites have involved

1

the search for parasites of the pest in the country of origin, especially in areas with a
similar climate to the planned area of release;

the study of the effect of the parasite on other organisms under laboratory
conditions;

release of large numbers of parasites which results in a decline in the pest

population;

the stable existence together of both pest and parasite at low population densities.

114

Explain the importance of each of the above steps in achieving successful biological
control of a pest.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(8)

(c)

Suggest two advantages of using biological control rather than pesticides.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)

59.

In an investigation of growth in nettles, nettle seeds were planted in soil taken from two woods
where no nettles were growing. Before the seeds were planted, various mineral nutrients were
added to samples of the soils from each wood. When the nettle plants had grown, their mean dry
mass was measured. The results are shown in the table.

M e a n d ry m a s s o f n e ttle p la n ts /m g
N o
N u tr ie n ts
added

P h o s p h a te
added

N itra te
added

P h o s p h a te
a n d n itra te
added

A ll e s s e n tia l
n u tr ie n ts e x c e p t
p h o s p h a te a d d e d

W ood A

92

125

W ood B

248

281

S o u rc e o f s o il

115

(a)

Which mineral nutrient was a limiting factor in the soils taken from the two woods?
.....................................................................................................................................
Explain the evidence from the table for your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Phosphate can be a serious pollutant of rivers and lakes.

(i)

Give two major sources of phosphates that may pollute rivers and lakes.
1..........................................................................................................................
2..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Explain how fish in a lake may be killed as a result of pollution by phosphates

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

116

60.

The energy value of the biomass synthesised by the producers in an ecosystem is a measure of
the productivity of the ecosystem. The table shows the estimated annual mean energy value of
the biomass synthesised in ecosystems in a country and the sea beside it.
Ecosystem

Estimated mean energy value of biomass

2 1
synthesised by producers/kJ m y

Deep ocean
Shallow sea
Alluvial plain farmland
Alluvial plain woodland
Mountain grassland
Desert
(a)

3 000
10 200
29 000
35 000
3 500
2 200

Explain how energy is transferred into biomass by producers.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

(i)

Suggest why the deep ocean has a lower productivity than the shallow sea.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Suggest one reason why the productivity of the farmland on the alluvial plain is
lower than that of the woodland. Explain your answer.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

117

(c)

In which ecosystem would you expect there to be the smallest number of animal species?
Explain your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

61.

A glasshouse modifies the physical environment of a crop and enables factors that limit
photosynthesis to be controlled. The diagram shows a glasshouse.
B lin d

V e n tila to r

G la s s

(a)

Each of the labelled parts is involved in controlling the physical environment of a

glasshouse. What is the role of each of these parts?
(i)

Glass..................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(ii)

Blinds.................................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(iii)

Ventilator...........................................................................................................

.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

118

(b)

Large commercial glasshouses use automatic water sprinklers to maintain the optimum
water content in the soil. Explain why the rate of photosynthesis falls if there is a shortage
of water in the soil.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

62.

(a)

The graph shows the yield of a crop when different amounts of a nitrogen-containing
fertiliser are applied.

5
B
C

4
Y ie ld /to n n e s
p e r h e c ta re
3

2
1
0
0
(i)

50
100
150
200
A m o u n t o f f e rtilis e r a p p lie d /k g n itro g e n p e r h e c ta r e

Explain the effect of the amount of fertiliser applied on the yield of the crop for
each of the labelled sections of the curve.
A........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
B.......................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
C.......................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

A fertiliser costs 120p per kg nitrogen and the crop sells for 200 per tonne. Use the
graph to calculate whether applying 125 or 150 kg nitrogen per hectare would be
more profitable. Show your working.
(2)

119

(b)

Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using inorganic fertilisers instead of manure.
Advantage...................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
Disadvantage...............................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

63.

One type of aphid is a pest of cucumbers grown in glasshouses. The aphid invades glasshouses
in large numbers during April and breeds rapidly. It can be controlled by chemicals, although
secondary infestations often occur which are difficult to remove with chemicals. Two methods
have been tested for keeping a parasite of the aphid in the crop before the aphids invade.
Method 1
Maize planted between the cucumbers.
The maize is infested with a type of aphid
that is not damaging to cucumbers.
These aphids are host to the aphid parasite.
The maize needs an irrigation system.

Method 2
The aphid parasite is released at
weekly intervals during the period
when the cucumber crop is at
risk

To investigate the effectiveness of each technique, cucumber aphids were released onto crops of
cucumbers in glasshouses.
The table shows the results.
Time from
introducing
aphids/ days

Number of cucumber aphids per leaf

Untreated

Method 1

Method 2

60

30

30

21

1500+

140

80

35

1500+

55

25

49

1500+020

120

(a)

Which of the two methods would you consider to be more economical? Use the
information above to support your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

What are the advantages and disadvantages for a grower of cucumbers of using biological
control instead of chemicals for controlling aphids.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 6 marks)

64.

The diagram summarises the flow of energy through agricultural production systems.

S o la r e n e rg y

D ir e c t e n e rg y in p u t

E n e rg y in h a rv e s te d c ro p

( la b o u r a n d fu e l)
A g r ic u ltu r a l
p ro d u c tio n
s y ste m s
I n d ir e c t e n e r g y in p u t

E n e rg y in w a s te p r o d u c ts

H e a t e n e rg y
121

(a)

Suggest what is meant by an indirect energy input.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

(i)

The energy efficiency of the system is the energy in the harvested crop divided by
the total energy input, expressed as a percentage. The energy efficiency of rice
production in the United States is 1.55%. The energy efficiency of rice production
in Indonesia is 7.08%. Explain the difference between these figures.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Solar energy is used more efficiently by plants grown in modern intensive

agricultural systems than in subsistence agricultural systems. Suggest a reason for
this.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

An African village which relied on subsistence agriculture grew thirty species of crop
plant. Explain why this would have resulted in a higher total food yield than would have
been obtained from growing a single species.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

122

65.

The table shows the energy relationships for three animals living in grassland. The figures refer
to percentages of the energy in the food consumed by the animal.
Energy
absorbed into
tissues /%
(A)

Animal

Energy
incorporated
into new tissue /
%
(P)

Energy
in faeces /%
(F)

Efficiency =

P 100
A

Small mammal
feeding on plants

50

1.5

50

..........

Insect feeding on
plants

40

16

60

..........

Small mammal
feeding on animals

80

20

..........

(a)

(i)

Complete the table to show the efficiency.

(1)

(ii)

Explain what happens to the energy that is absorbed into tissue but not used in the
growth of new tissue.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

Suggest one reason why the percentage of energy in faeces is much higher in
mammals that feed on plants than in those that feed on animals.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Explain why efficiency is lower in

(i)

the small mammal that feeds on plants than the insect that feeds on plants;
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)

123

(ii)

the small mammal that feeds on animals than the small mammal that feeds on
plants.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)

66.

The Everglades in Florida is a very large area of natural swamp which contains many important
and endangered species. The director of Floridas drug control policy has suggested spraying the
Everglades with a fungus to reduce illegal cannabis growing. The fungus suggested is Fusarium
oxysporum which infects a number of species of plant. Researchers have developed a variety of
the fungus which they claim will attack only the cannabis plant. Environmentalists have strongly
protested against using this fungus.
(a)

Suggest and explain two reasons why this method of biological control might be
preferable to using a chemical spray to kill the cannabis plants.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(4)

(b)

Suggest two reasons why environmentalists would object to using the fungus for
controlling cannabis.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

124

67.

(a)

Explain two ways in which the expanding human population is placing increasing
demands on natural communities.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Under natural and suitable conditions, bare soil would eventually become covered by a
woodland community. Explain how farming practices prevent this from happening.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(4)

(c)

The graph shows the number of species from three insect groups which are thought to be
extinct or close to extinction in three different habitats in the UK.

60
50

K ey

N um ber of
40
s p e c ie s

B e e tle s

30
20

F lie s

10

B u tte rf lie s
a n d m o th s

S o il a t e a r ly
s ta g e o f
c o lo n is a tio n

L iv e tr e e s

D e a d tre e s

T y p e o f h a b ita t

125

(i)

Farming often produces temporary areas of bare soil on which colonisation may
start, but these data show that many species of insect associated with the type of
community that develops in this habitat are endangered. Suggest why.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

Suggest explanations for the differences between the data for live trees and dead
trees.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 12 marks)

68.

(a)

(i)

Describe one way in which mineral ions are released from rocks into soil.

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(1)

126

(ii)

Describe how detritivores are involved in the recycling of nutrients.

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

The bar chart shows the amounts of nitrate and phosphate in soil from two different areas
of grassland, A and B. Both areas are used for grazing.

A rea A
N o f e r tilis e r o r
m a n u re a d d e d .
C o n ta in s :
2 s p e c ie s o f g ra s s
1 0 o th e r s p e c ie s o f
flo w e rin g p la n t

A rea B
S p ra y e d y e a rly w ith
liq u id m a n u re .
C o n ta in s :
3 s p e c ie s o f g ra s s
1 o th e r s p e c ie s o f
flo w e rin g p la n t

7
6
A m ount of
n itra te a n d
p h o s p h a te in
s o il/k g p e r
h e c ta re

n itra te

p h o s p h a te
4
3
2
1
0

(i)

A re a A
A re a B
G ra s s la n d a re a

Explain the effect of nitrate and phosphate supply on the diversity of plants.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)

127

(ii)

Area B is going to become part of a nature reserve. A proposed change in land

management is to stop spraying with liquid manure. Explain the likely effect of this
change on the diversity of plants.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 7 marks)

69.

The diagram shows changes in the biomass of a cereal crop and of the weeds in a field.

F e rtilis e r H e rb ic id e
added
added

G r o w th
w ith o u t
fe r tilis e r
T o ta l
b io m a s s
o f c e re a l
c ro p a n d
w e e k s in
a fie ld

W eeds
U n w a n te d
p a rt o f c ro p

W a n te d
p a rt o f c ro p
( c e r e a l g ra in )

(a)

Describe and explain the effect of adding fertiliser on the biomass of the plants.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Explain why the application of herbicide increases the final yield of the crop.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(1)

128

(c)

Suggest two ways, other than adding fertiliser or herbicide, of ensuring that the maximum
amount of grain is harvested.
1..................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
2..................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(d)

Explain how selective breeding could result in a reduction in the unwanted part of the
crop.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

70.

Deltamethrin is a synthetic insecticide. The chart shows the minimum lethal dose for different
groups of organisms.

F is h
Type of
o rg a n is m

C rab
F ro g
In se c t
M am m al
B ird

0 .0 0 0 1 0 .0 0 1 0 .0 1 0 .1
10
100
1
M in im u m le th a l d o s e o f
D e lta m e th rin /p a rts p e r m illio n
(a)

1000

Use the information in the chart to explain why Deltamethrin

(i)

may be used as an insecticide on plants intended for human consumption;

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
129

(1)

(ii)

should not be used in areas close to ponds and streams.

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(3)

(b)

(i)

Systemic insecticides are absorbed by plants and are transported through their
tissues. The plant tissues become toxic to insects feeding on them. Explain two
advantages of using systemic insecticides rather than other types of insecticide.
1..........................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
2..........................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Suggest how genetic engineering could be used to protect plants from

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

71.

(a)

Give two reasons why much of the sunlight falling on the leaves of a plant grown in a
glasshouse is not used in photosynthesis.
1..................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
2..................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)

130

(b)

What measurements could be taken in order to find the rate of photosynthesis?

....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Outline how you would investigate the effect of temperature on the yield of a crop of
plants grown in a glasshouse.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

72.

The diagrams show a pyramid of biomass and a pyramid of energy for the same aquatic habitat.

D e c o m p o se rs
4 0 g m 2

F o u r th tr o p h ic le v e l 1 .5 g m
T h ird tr o p h ic le v e l 1 1 g m

S e c o n d tro p h ic le v e l 3 7 g m
F irs t tro p h ic le v e l 8 0 7 g m

2
2

P y r a m id o f b io m a s s

F o u r th tr o p h ic le v e l 0 .4
T h ird tro p h ic le v e l 1 1
S e c o n d tro p h ic le v e l 1 4 2

D e c o m p o se rs
926

F irs t tr o p h ic le v e l 8 6 6 2
P y r a m id o f e n e r g y

131

(a)

Suggest suitable units for the measurement of energy flow in the pyramid of energy.
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

Calculate the percentage of biomass transferred from the first trophic level to the fourth
trophic level. Show your working.

Percentage ...........................................
(2)

(c)

(i) Most of the organisms in the first trophic level are single-celled protoctists.
How do these organisms obtain their energy?
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

All of the energy in these protoctists is eventually transferred to the environment.

Explain how.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

73.

(a)

Explain what is meant by

(i)

nitrification;
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
132

(ii)

denitrification.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Explain how the leaching of nitrates from farmland into rivers may lead to a large increase
in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(5)
(Total 7 marks)

74.

(a)

Describe and explain the effects of monoculture on the environment.

...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(4)

133

(b)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are pesticides which were widely used in the countries
surrounding the Baltic Sea. PCBs are non-biodegradable.
(i)

Chemical analyses show that gulls, which feed on fish from the Baltic Sea, have
very high concentrations of PCBs in their body tissues.
Suggest an explanation for this.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Suggest, in terms of molecular structure, why some pesticides are nonbiodegradable.

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(iii)

In some populations of pests there are individuals which are resistant to pesticides.
Explain why the proportion of pesticide-resistant pests may rise in populations that
are sprayed with insecticide.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 11 marks)

75.

Shrubs and small trees cover large areas of northern Canada. In winter there is deep snow for
several months. Few species of mammal are adapted to survive in these conditions. The
commonest primary consumer is the snowshoe hare, which feeds on the young leaves and
shoots of the shrubs and small trees. When a shrub is damaged by grazing it produces toxins in
the leaves and shoots. These toxins make the leaves and shoots too unpleasant for the hares to
eat. Several mammalian predators feed on the hares.
134

The graphs show changes in the relative biomass of the shrubs, hares and predators over a period
of 10 years. The measurements of biomass were taken at the beginning of each winter.

R e la tiv e
b io m a s s /
a rb itra ry
u n its

R e la tiv e
b io m a s s /
a rb itra ry
u n its

50 000
S h ru b s

25 000

1 000
800
H a re s

600
400
200
0

R e la tiv e
b io m a s s /
a rb itra ry
u n its

1 .0 0
0 .7 5
P re d a to rs
0 .5 0
0 .2 5
0 .0 0

(a)

(i)

5
6
T im e / y e a rs

10

Calculate the ratio of the biomass of the hares to the biomass of the predators in
year 5. Show your working.

Ratio = .....................................................................
(2)

135

(ii)

Use your knowledge of energy transfer to explain the difference in biomass

between the hares and their predators.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

(i)

Describe how the pattern of change in biomass over the ten years for the predators
differs from the pattern for the hares.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Use the information in the passage and the graphs to explain the changes in the
biomass of the hares over the ten years.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 9 marks)

136

76.

Potato plants originate from the Andes mountains in South America. They are adapted for
survival in a cool climate. The potatoes we eat are food storage organs, called tubers, and are
produced on underground stems.
The graph shows the rates of photosynthesis and respiration for one variety of potato plant.

P h o to sy n th e s is

R a te
R e s p ira tio n

0
(a)

10

15
T e m p e ra tu re / C

20

25

30

Between which temperatures is there a net gain in energy by the potato plant?
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

When this variety was grown in a hot climate, with a mean daytime temperature of
23.5 C, it failed to produce tubers.
Use information in the graph to explain why no tubers were produced.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Suggest what causes the rate of photosynthesis to decrease above 21C.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

137

(d)

Describe how the temperature of the soil around developing tubers could be measured
throughout their growing period.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

77.

The graph shows the effect of carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity and temperature on
the rate of photosynthesis of a crop plant.
0 .1 2 % c a r b o n d io x id e a t 2 0 C

R a te o f
p h o to s y n th e s is

0 .0 3 % c a r b o n d io x id e a t 3 0 C
0 .0 3 % c a r b o n d io x id e a t 2 0 C

X
0
(a)

2
3
L ig h t in te n s ity / k ilo lu x

Which factor is limiting the rate of photosynthesis at point X? Explain your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

138

(b)

In a glasshouse in winter, the mean carbon dioxide concentration is 0.03%, the

temperature is 20 C and the light intensity is 3 kilolux.
Using the graph, predict whether increasing the carbon dioxide concentration to 0.12 % or
the temperature to 30 C would result in the greater increase in growth. Using your
knowledge of photosynthesis, give an explanation for your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Explain why it is not advisable to increase the temperature in a glasshouse on a dull winter
day.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(d)

Little of the sunlight falling on the leaves of a plant grown in a glasshouse, even under
optimum conditions, is used in photosynthesis. Give two explanations.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

139

78.

The diagram shows the flow of energy through trees in a woodland ecosystem. The numbers
2
1
represent mean inputs and outputs of energy in kJ m day .

S o la r ra d ia tio n
5150
E n e rg y n o t u s e d
5025

P h o to s y n th e tic p r o d u c ts
125
P la n t r e s p ir a tio n
62
A v a ila b le to c o n s u m e rs
a n d d e co m p o se rs
63

(a)

Use information in the diagram to

(i)

give the amount of energy incorporated into tree biomass;

..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(ii)

calculate the percentage of solar energy that is fixed by photosynthesis.

Answer ............................. %
(2)

(b)

Not all the solar radiation reaching the leaves of the tree is used in photosynthesis. Give
two explanations for this.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

140

(c)

The graph shows the rate of photosynthesis and the rate of respiration in tree leaves at
different temperatures.
R e s p ir a tio n

P h o to s y n th e s is
R a te

0
0

10

20
30
L e a f te m p e ra tu re / C

40

Give the range of temperatures over which the leaves will show the greatest increase in
biomass. Explain your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

79.

The diagram shows a simplified food web in an aquatic ecosystem.

S tic k le b a c k s

D ra g o n fly n y m p h s

D a p h n id s

M a y fly n y m p h s

C ilia te s

O lig o c h a e te s

U n ic e llu la r a n d fila m e n to u s a lg a e
(a)

In this food web, which organisms feed as tertiary consumers?

.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

141

(b)

The biomass of organisms in an ecosystem can change during the year. In this aquatic
ecosystem, the biomass of primary consumers is temporarily greater than that of the
producers during the early summer.
(i)

Sketch the pyramids of biomass in early summer and autumn for this ecosystem.
Name the trophic levels.
Early summer

Autumn

(2)

(ii)

Suggest suitable units to represent biomass in these pyramids.

..........................................................................................................................
(1)

(c)

Explain why food chains rarely have more than five trophic levels.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

142

80.

The numbers of species of woody plants in samples from 227 hedges of different ages were
counted. The results are shown in the graph. The size of the solid circles shows the number of
hedges in each category.
10
9
8
N um ber of
s p e c ie s o f
w o o d y p la n ts
in 3 0 m o f
hedge

7
6
5
4

K ey

1 - 4

hedges

5 - 14

hedges

15 - 30

hedges

1
0
0

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200
A g e o f h e d g e / y e a rs

(a)

(i)

Suggest the age range of the hedges which are likely to support the most complex
food webs. Explain your answer.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(3)

(ii)

Explain how the complex food webs maintained by these hedges may be of benefit
to farmers.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

143

(b)

(i)

Calculate the maximum percentage of hedges which are 1000 years old or over in
this sample. Show your working.

Answer ............................. %
(2)

(ii)

Many hedges have been removed from arable land in recent years. Explain two
advantages to farmers of removing hedges.
1 .......................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
2 .......................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 9 marks)

81.

This questions should be answered in continuous prose, where appropriate.

Quality of Written Communication will be assessed in these answers.

(a)

The availability of nitrogen-containing compounds in the soil is often a limiting factor for
plant growth. Explain two ways in which a shortage of nitrogen-containing compounds
could limit plant growth.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)

144

(b)

Farmers apply nitrate fertilisers to improve crop growth.

(i)

Explain why plants may fail to grow if high concentrations of nitrate are applied to
the soil.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Streams and rivers running through farmland can also be adversely affected by
application of high concentrations of nitrate fertiliser. Fish cannot survive when the
oxygen levels of water are reduced. Explain how high concentrations of nitrate
applied to farmland may result in the reduction of the numbers of fish present in
aquatic ecosystems.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(5)

145

(c)

Malonate is a substance that inhibits the enzymes of the Krebs cycle. In an investigation,
plant roots were placed in a solution containing nitrate and malonate. The solution had air
bubbled through it. Explain why these plant roots took up nitrate more slowly than those
in a control solution which contained nitrate but no malonate.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 14 marks)

82.

Spider mites are a major pest of cucumbers. An investigation was carried out to compare the
effectiveness of two methods of controlling this pest. Two plots of cucumber plants infested with
spider mites were used. One plot was treated with a chemical pesticide; a biological control
agent was used on the other plot. Figures 1 and 2 show the results. The arrows show when the
chemical pesticide was applied (Figure 1) and when the predator was introduced
(Figure 2).

25
N um ber of
s p id e r m ite s 1 5
per 5 cm 2

C h e m ic a l
c o n tro l

5
0
Feb

M ar

A pr

M ay

Jun

Jul

A ug

M o n th
Figure 1
N um ber of
s p id e r m ite s
per 5 cm 2

B io lo g ic a l
c o n tro l

5
0

Feb

M ar

A pr

M ay

Jun

Jul

A ug

M o n th
Figure 2

146

(a)

Using evidence from the graphs, give two advantages of biological control over chemical
control.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Describe two features that a predator must have if it is to be a successful biological

control agent.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

83.

(a)

Clover is a leguminous plant. A clover plant has root nodules, which contain nitrogenfixing bacteria.
Describe the nutritional advantage gained as a result of this relationship by
(i)

the clover plant;

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................

(ii)

the nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)

147

(b)

Cereals may be grown in rotation with other crops, including clover. No fertiliser is added.
Alternatively, cereals may be grown every year in the same field and supplied with
fertiliser.
Explain two advantages of growing cereal crops in rotation with clover instead of growing
them every year in the same field and applying fertiliser.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 6 marks)

84.

(a)

The diagram compares the transfer of energy through a herbivore and through a carnivore
of similar size. The width of each arrow is proportional to the energy value.
E n e rg y re le a s e d
in re s p ira tio n

T o ta l
e n e rg y
in ta k e

E n e r g y s to r e d
in tis s u e s

E n e rg y re le a s e d
in re s p ira tio n
T o ta l
e n e rg y
in ta k e

E n e rg y sto re d
in tis s u e s
E n e rg y lo s t
in fa e c e s

E n e rg y lo s t
in fa e c e s
H e r b iv o r e
(i)

C a r n iv o r e

Use the diagram to calculate the percentage of energy lost in faeces by each animal.
Show your working.
Herbivore

............................................ %

Carnivore

............................................ %
(2)

148

(ii)

Suggest an explanation for the percentage of energy lost in faeces for the herbivore
being larger than that for the carnivore.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Explain why small mammals have a higher rate of respiration than larger mammals.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

85.

In an attempt to control the huge numbers of an insect pest, low doses of a pesticide were
sprayed on a lake. After spraying, the concentration of pesticide in the lake water was 14 parts
per billion. After spraying, diving birds which fed on small fish in the lake were found to be
dying. The concentration of the pesticide in these birds was more than 1 part per thousand.
(a)

Explain why the pesticide was in such a high concentration in the diving birds.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

149

(b)

The lake was sprayed three times. The first spraying killed almost all of the insects, as did
a second application five years later. When the lake was treated for a third time it was
found that some insects were resistant to the pesticide.
Explain how resistance to the pesticide evolved in the insect population.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

This pesticide is able to pass easily through cell membranes. Suggest why.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)

86.

Answers should be written in continuous prose, where appropriate.

A large lake is surrounded by fields. These fields are separated from each other by hedges. One
hundred years ago the lake was a habitat for many plants, invertebrates and fish. Today the lake
has no fish and few plants or invertebrates.
(a)

Explain how increased use of inorganic fertilisers on the fields may have led to these
changes.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
150

(b)

.....................................................................................................................................(5)
Explain how the removal of hedges near the lake would increase the impact of fertilisers
on the aquatic ecosystem.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)

87.

Tomato growers have increased the yield of fruit from 100 to 400 tonnes per hectare by growing
the tomato plants in automatically heated glasshouses and enhancing the carbon dioxide
concentration. To control the nutrient supply to the roots, the plants are grown without soil in
plastic troughs, as shown in the diagram.

T o m a to p la n t

P la s tic tr o u g h
R oot m at

T a n k c o n ta in in g
n u tr ie n t s o lu tio n

(a)

2 to 3 m m d e p th o f
n u tr ie n t s o lu tio n
Pum p

Explain how enhancing the carbon dioxide concentration helps to increase the yield.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

151

(b)

Maintaining a high temperature in a glasshouse in winter, when the light intensity is low,
may reduce the yield. Explain how.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Tomato fruits have a high percentage of water. When making tomato ketchup, it is more
economical to use fruits which have a low percentage of water. Growers can reduce the
water content of the fruit by adding sodium chloride to the nutrient solution in the plastic
trough.
Explain how adding sodium chloride can reduce the water content of the fruit.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)

88.

Over a million tonnes of salmon per year are produced in fish farms. The salmon are grown in
large cages in sheltered waters, such as off the west coast of Scotland. The cost of these farmed
salmon is much lower than that of wild salmon.
(a)

Give two reasons why farmed salmon are cheaper than wild salmon.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

Large amounts of waste food and faeces fall through the bottom of the cages. This results
in a much reduced diversity of marine organisms below and around the cages.
Explain how the organic matter in the water causes this reduction in diversity.
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.....................................................................................................................................
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(2)

152

153

(c)

Farmed salmon are fed on pellets made from small fish. About five tonnes of small fish
are required for each tonne of salmon produced. Give two reasons why this high ratio is
needed.
1 ..................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2 ..................................................................................................................................
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(2)
(Total 6 marks)

89.

A popular lake in the United States was affected by large swarms of midges (small biting
insects) in the summer. The lake was sprayed with insecticide to kill the midges. The effect of
spraying on the following food chain in the lake was investigated.
Plant plankton sunfish western grebe
(a)

Shortly after spraying the concentration of insecticide in the water of the lake was
5
3
2 10 g dm . After four weeks the concentration in the plant plankton was equivalent
3
3
to 5 10 g dm .
By how many times was the insecticide concentrated?
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)

(b)

After a few months the concentration of insecticide in the grebes was more than six times
the concentration in the sunfish. Explain why.
.....................................................................................................................................
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.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

(c)

Another lake, which contained dead trout, was found to be contaminated by waste
containing mercury ions.
(i)

In an investigation, the lethal concentration of mercury ions for trout was 42 parts
per billion over four days. Explain what is meant by lethal concentration.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)

154

(ii)

Explain how heavy metal ions are toxic to animals.

...........................................................................................................................
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...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)

90.

The graph shows the mean biomass of heather plants of different ages growing on a moor.
1200

1000

800

M ean
b io m a s s /
g m 2

600

400

200

4
A g e / y e a rs

155

(a)

(i)

When completely burned, 1 g of heather releases 22 kJ of energy. Use the graph to

calculate the mean amount of energy stored as heather biomass per year.

Answer .......................................... kJ m

(1)

(ii)

The total amount of light energy falling on the leaves of heather plants per year is 3
2
150 000 kJ m . The chlorophyll in the leaves of the heather absorbs only 45 % of
this energy.
Calculate the percentage of the total amount of energy absorbed by the chlorophyll
per year which is stored as heather biomass. Show your working.

Answer ................................................. %
(2)

(iii)

Only a small percentage of the light energy absorbed by the chlorophyll is stored as
biomass. Suggest two explanations for this.
1 .................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
2 .................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
(2)

156

(b)

Explain why only a small percentage of the energy in the heather biomass is transferred to
the biomass in the next trophic level.
.................................................................................................................................
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.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 8 marks)

91.

In autumn when there is no crop, farm land may be used to grow mustard. The mustard absorbs
nitrates which otherwise can leach out of the soil at this time of the year.
The mustard is ploughed back into the soil just before sowing of the main crop in the spring.
(a)

Nitrogen compounds in the mustard plants are made available for the main crop after
ploughing in spring. Describe the role of microorganisms in this process.
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.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
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.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(5)

(b)

Explain why it is important for the farmer to reduce the leaching of nitrates.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)

157

(c)

Plants absorb a number of other nutrients from the soil including phosphates.
Describe why phosphates are needed by a growing plant.
.....................................................................................................................................
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.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 11 marks)

92.

When sewage is discharged into a river, the river becomes polluted with small particles of
organic material. The population density of animals and the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
were recorded from a river immediately upstream from a sewage outlet and at different distances
downstream. Figures 1 and 2 show the results.
Asellus is an invertebrate animal that feeds on dead organic matter and is able to live in water
mildly polluted by organic waste.
K ey

D is c h a rg e o f s e w a g e

O x y g e n c o n c e n tra tio n
BO D

B O D or
c o n c e n tra tio n

D is ta n c e d o w n s tre a m
Figure 1

O th e r in v e rte b ra te
a n im a ls
P o p u la tio n
d e n s ity
A s e llu s
D is ta n c e d o w n s tre a m
D is c h a rg e o f s e w a g e
Figure 2
158

(a)

On Figure 1 continue the line for oxygen concentration to show how this would be
expected to change downstream from the point of discharge of sewage.
(1)

(b)

Explain the decrease in biochemical oxygen demand with distance downstream from the
sewage outlet.
.................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)

(c)

Suggest an explanation for the changes in the population density of Asellus with distance
downstream from the sewage outlet.
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(3)
(Total 7 marks)

93.

(a)

Farmers who grow wheat sometimes leave a field fallow for a year by not growing a crop
in it. The concentration of nitrate ions in the soil decreases when a field is
left fallow.
(i)

When grass is grown in the field, fewer nitrate ions are lost than when the field is
left with bare soil. Explain why.
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
(1)

159

(ii)

A crop of leguminous plants such as clover may be grown in the field and then
ploughed in. Explain why less fertiliser would be needed for the wheat crop in the
following year.
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.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
(2)

(b)

The table gives information about the yield and profitability of a wheat crop grown using
different amounts of fertiliser.
Grain
yield /
1
tonnes ha

Grain
protein / %

Value
added by
using
fertiliser /
1
ha

Cost of
using
fertiliser /
1
ha

Benefit : cost
ratio

2.4

11.7

25

2.5

12.5

19

11

1.7 : 1.0

50

2.5

12.9

25

22

1.1 : 1.0

75

2.5

13.3

31

33

0.9 : 1.0

100

2.5

13.5

37

Nitrogen
fertiliser
applied /
1
kg ha

(i)

Describe the effects of increasing fertiliser application on the yield and protein
content of the grain produced.
.......................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................
(2)

(ii)

Use the data in the table to estimate the benefit : cost ratio for a fertiliser application
1
of 100 kg ha . Write your answer in the table.
(1)
(Total 6 marks)

160