Population Questions

1.
Moose are large herbivorous animals.

(a)
In a study of one population of moose, 72 animals were trapped and marked with ear tags.
They were then released. One month later, fieldworkers examined 120 moose and found
that 14 of these had ear tags.
Use these figures to calculate the size of the moose population. Show your working.
Answer:............................
(2)
(b)
Isle Royale is a large island in Lake Superior. Moose first colonised this island in 1900. At
the time they had no predators on the island. Wolves, which are predators of moose, were
introduced to the island in 1950. The graph shows the moose population from 1900.
I s la n d c o lo n is e d
by m oo se
W o lv e s
in tro d u c e d
3000
2000
M o ose
p o p u la tio n
1000
0
1900
(i)
1910
1920
1930
D a te
1940
1950
1960
1970
Suggest an explanation for the changes in the moose population before the
introduction of the wolves.
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(2)
Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College
(ii)
Describe the effect of introducing wolves on the moose population.

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(1)
(Total 5 marks)
2.
Spruce trees produce very large numbers of seeds. Most of these seeds die immediately,
releasing nitrogen compounds into the soil. Swedish scientists investigated the effects of this on
the growth of pine seedlings, in areas where the forest floor was free of moss plants and in areas
where moss plants grew.
(a)
Describe the part played by soil bacteria in making the nitrogen in compounds in the dead
spruce seeds available to pine seedlings.
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(3)
(b)
In areas where the forest floor was free of moss plants, the pine seedlings grew better in
plots with added spruce seeds than they did in control plots. In areas in which moss plants
grew, the difference in growth of the pine seedlings in plots with added spruce seeds was
not statistically significant from those in the control plots. Suggest an explanation for the
effect of the moss plants on the growth of the pine seedlings.
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(2)
(Total 5 marks)
3.
The sand shrimp, Crangon septemspinosa, is a member of the community found in a sea-shore
ecosystem.
(a)
Give the meaning of:

(i)
community; .......................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(ii)
ecosystem. ........................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
The contours on the graph represent 0%, 50% and 100% survival for C. septemspinosa in
aerated water over a range of temperatures and salinities (salt content of sea water).
30
25
T e m p e ra tu re
/ C
5 0 % s u rv iv a l
0%
s u rv iv a l
20
1 0 0 % s u rv iv a l
15
10
5
(i)
10
15
20
25
30
P e rc e n ta g e s a lin ity
35
40
45
What are the upper and lower limits of temperature for 100% survival of
C. septemspinosa?
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Other than the factors shown in the graph, name one biotic and one abiotic factor,
which might also limit the survival of C. septemspinosa.
Biotic factor ......................................................................................................
Abiotic factor ....................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 5 marks)
4.
The diagram shows some of the feeding relationships in a food web for a forest.
S p a rro w h a w k
Fox
G ra ss
snake
H edgehog
F ro g
B lu e tit
G ro u n d
b e e tle
S p id e r
S lu g
W in te r m o th ,
c a te r p illa r s
W ood
m ouse
L eaves
(a)
E a rth w o rm
F ru its
and
seed s
G re y
sq u irre l
W o o d b o rin g
b e e tle
W ood
Name an organism that is both a primary and a secondary consumer in this food web.
....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Name a group of organisms, not shown in the web, which is needed to recycle nutrients.
....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(c)
Explain how bare ground may, over a long period of time, become forest.
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(3)
(d)
With reference to the food web, explain the effect that deforestation has on the species
diversity of an area.
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
5.
The community present in a roadside ecosystem was investigated.

(a)
Explain what is meant by:

(i)
community; ......................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(ii)
ecosystem. ........................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
The diagram shows a section through a road which has a sloping bank and hedge on each
side.
H edge
S o u th -fa c in g
bank
H edge
R oad
N o r th - fa c in g
bank
The following plant species were found growing on 10-metre lengths of the north-facing
and south-facing road banks.
N u m b e r o f p la n ts
P la n t s p e c ie s
W h ite d e a d n e ttle
L e s s e r c e la n d in e
D a n d e lio n
R ag w ort
C o w p a rs le y
T h is tle
G ro u n d se l
In d e x o f d iv e rs ity
(i)
S o u th -f a c in g
road ban k
23
18
8
10
7
5
15
N o r th -fa c in g
ro a d b an k
0
8
4
0
10
1
10
5 .9 4
Suggest and explain how one abiotic factor might have caused differences in plant
growth on the two road banks.
..........................................................................................................................
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(2)
(ii)
Explain why the south-facing road bank is likely to show greater ecological
stability than the north-facing road bank.
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(3)
(iii)
The south-facing road bank would also be expected to have a higher diversity of
animals. Suggest one reason for this.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(c)
In order to estimate the population of woodlice living on the north-facing road bank, four
pitfall traps were set in the ground at 2-metre intervals and left for 24 hours. All the
woodlice that had fallen into the traps were marked on their underside with quickdrying
paint and released back into their habitat. The next day the traps were examined again and
the numbers of marked and unmarked woodlice were counted. The results are shown in
the table.
Trap num ber

N u m b e r o f w o o d lic e m a r k e d a n d r e le a s e d
N u m b e r o f m a r k e d w o o d lic e in 2 n d c a tc h
N u m b e r o f u n m a rk e d w o o d lic e in 2 n d c a tc h
(i)
1
2
0
5
2
28
4
17
3
0
0
3
4
10
2
11
Use the data to estimate the woodlouse population in this area. Show your working.
Population = .................................................
(2)
(ii)
Suggest two reasons why it is not possible to make a reliable estimate of the
woodhouse population size from these data.
1 .......................................................................................................................
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2 .......................................................................................................................
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(2)
(Total 12 marks)
6.
Limpets are animals which live on rocky sea shores. When the tide is out, a limpet is firmly
attached to the rock by a muscular foot. Taller limpets are more likely to be dislodged by wave
action. Variation in the size of limpets was investigated on two shores, A and B. The height and
width of each limpet was measured as shown in the diagram.
S h e ll
H e ig h t, H
Foot
W id th , W
The results of the investigation are given in the table.
S hore A
S hore B
M ean H
W
0 .3 3
0 .4 7
S ta n d a rd
d e v ia tio n
0 .0 8
0 .1 2
28
33
S a m p le s iz e
(a)
(i)
H
On which shore did the limpets have a greater variation in values of W ?
Give evidence from the table for your answer.
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Which shore had limpets that were better adapted to withstand wave action? Use
evidence from the table to explain your answer.
..........................................................................................................................
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(3)
(b)
(i)
In investigations like this, why is it necessary to collect data from a large number of
specimens which are selected at random?
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(2)
(ii)
Describe how you would select limpets at random.

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(3)
(c)
Red seaweeds are algae which contain, in addition to chlorophyll, a red pigment called
phycoerythrin. Green seaweeds do not contain phycoerythrin. Both phycoerythrin and
chlorophyll absorb light energy which can be used in photosynthesis. The graphs show the
percentage of light of different wavelengths absorbed by sea water, by chlorophyll and by
phycoerythrin.
80
60
A b so rp tio n b y
40
s e a w a te r /%
20
0
400
500
600
700
P h y c o e ry th rin
C h lo ro p h y ll
A b s o r p tio n
b y p la n t
p ig m e n ts
400
v io le t
b lu e
500
g reen
y e llo w
600
o ran g e
700
re d
W a v e le n g th / n m a n d c o lo u r o f lig h t
10
Use information from the graphs to explain why red seaweeds are usually found in deeper
water (further down the shore) than green seaweeds.
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(6)
(Total 15 marks)
7.
New Zealand beech trees do not produce seeds every year. A study was carried out on the mice
living in an isolated New Zealand beech forest. Because of the location of this forest, biologists
could only visit it at monthly intervals and stay approximately 12 hours on each visit.
At the beginning of each visit, they set all the traps they had available. This number varied. At
the end of the visit, they collected the traps and released any mice they had captured.
Figure 1 shows the population density of the mice at different times during a New Zealand
beech seed year and a non-seed year.
N e w Z e a la n d b e e c h
seed year
25
N um ber 20
o f m ic e
c a p tu r e d 1 5
per 100
10
tra p s
N o n -se e d y e a r
5
0
M ay
A ug
N ov
M o n th
F eb
M ay
Figure 1
11
(a)
Use the information in the question to suggest

(i)
why the mark-release-recapture method would have given unreliable results;

..........................................................................................................................
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(2)
(ii)
the advantage of giving the number of mice captured per 100 traps rather than just
the number of mice captured.
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(2)
(b)
(i)
A statistical test was carried out on the August figures. The population density of
mice in the seed year was found to be significantly different at the p = 0.05 level
from the population density in the non-seed year. Explain the meaning of this
statement.
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..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Suggest why the population density increases in a seed year.

..........................................................................................................................
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(2)
12
In a different survey, mice were trapped at various sites in the UK. Figure 2 shows the mean
body mass and the standard deviation of the adult males that were among the trapped mice.
R e fr ig e ra te d c o ld s to re s
F a rm s in S c o tla n d
F a rm s in W a le s
F a rm s in N o rth e rn E n g la n d
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
M ass / g
Figure 2
(c)
(i)
Explain why the data for only the male mice were plotted in Figure 2.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
In collecting the raw data in this survey, the investigators also measured the amount
of tooth wear shown by the mice. Suggest why.
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(2)
(d)
(i)
Explain the advantage of a large body mass to mice living in a refrigerated cold
store.
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(2)
13
(ii)
Use the information in Figure 2 to explain what is meant by directional selection.

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(3)
(e)
The colour of wild mice is grey but in some island populations there are black mice.
The difference in colour is caused by a single pair of alleles.
(i)
Describe how you could use genetic crosses to show that the allele for black is the
recessive allele.
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(2)
(ii)
Explain how you could find the frequency of the recessive allele in a population of
mice living on an island.
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(2)
(Total 20 marks)
8.
Read the following passage.

Despite its bad press, cholesterol is essential. We cannot manage without it. It is an important
component of plasma membranes. Myelin, the substance surrounding many nerve fibres, is
involved in the rapid conduction of nerve impulses and myelin is rich in cholesterol.
Being insoluble in water, cholesterol cannot be transported in solution in the blood plasma.
Instead, it is packaged in lipoprotein particles. The main carrier of cholesterol is low-density
lipoprotein (LDL). Each LDL particle has a cholesterol core protected by an outer coat and
topped by a special protein molecule.
14
How is LDL-packaged cholesterol taken up by cells? Plasma membranes are studded with
binding sites for this "topping" protein. These LDL receptors are made of protein with some
10
sugar chains attached, and their numbers increase or decrease according to the cell's needs for
cholesterol. After latching on to LDL receptors, LDL particles are pulled into the cytoplasm
and processed in various ways. This regulatory mechanism, however, cannot control
cholesterol concentrations outside cells when large amounts of cholesterol are present in the
blood. The excess cholesterol is eventually deposited in artery walls. This leads to an increased
15
risk of thrombosis.
20
In the 1980s, researchers purified the LDL receptor molecule and determined the sequence of
its 839 amino acids. They also isolated the LDL receptor gene. Mutation of this gene gives rise
to a condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). All the evidence we have, such
as that all affected individuals have at least one affected parent, and that male to male
transmission is possible, indicates that the mutant allele is dominant and located on one of the
autosomes.
The FH allele is found in a high frequency in some populations. Among South African
Afrikaners, for example, 1 in 100 are FH heterozygotes while 1 in 30 000 are homozygous for
the FH allele. These people are all at risk of premature death from coronary heart disease.
Source: adapted from MANGE and MANGE, Basic Human Genetics (Sinaeur Associates Inc.) 1994
Use information from the passage and your own knowledge to answer the following questions.
(a)
Explain how myelin is involved in the rapid conduction of nerve impulses (lines 2-3).
.....................................................................................................................................
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.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Describe how negative feedback is involved in controlling the concentration of cholesterol

in the cytoplasm of a cell.
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(3)
(c)
(i)
Explain how a mutation of the LDL receptor gene can lead to a high concentration
of cholesterol in the blood.
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15
(2)
16
(ii)
Describe how excess cholesterol deposited in artery walls can lead to an increased
risk of thrombosis (lines 14-15).
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..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(d)
What is the minimum number of nucleotides in the mRNA molecule that codes for the
LDL receptor? Explain how you arrived at your answer.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(e)
All individuals affected with FH have at least one affected parent (line 19).
Explain how this shows that the FH allele is not recessive to the normal allele.
.....................................................................................................................................
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.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(f)
Use the data in the last paragraph to estimate the number of people in the South African
Afrikaner population at risk from premature death from coronary heart disease because of
FH. Give your answer per 100 000 of the population. Show your working.
Answer .................................... per 100 000

(3)
(Total 15 marks)
17
w9. Read the following passage.

In spite of the ability of animals to eat them, green plants dominate the landscape. Part of the
reason for this is that most plants, not just the ones we regard as poisonous, contain toxins.
These toxins are found in different amounts in different parts of the plant.
5
10
15
20
Many different substances act as toxins. The simplest are the non-protein amino acids. These
substances are chemically similar to the twenty amino acids normally found. in proteins. Thus
-cyanoalanine, NCCH2CHNH2COOH, is clearly similar to alanine, CH3CHNH2COOH.
When non-protein amino acids are eaten, they are incorporated into proteins. This results in
the formation of unnatural enzymes that do not function properly. Plants which make these
non-protein amino acids, however, do not synthesise faulty enzymes. Investigations with lily
of the valley have shown why. This plant produces large amounts of azetidine 2-carboxylic acid
(ACA). This substance is a non-protein amino acid very similar to the amino acid proline. In
the lily of the valley, the enzyme which links proline to tRNA does not bind to azetidine
2-carboxylic acid.
Another group of toxins has been called the sugar-shaped weapons of plants and they inhibit
enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. One of these is a substance called
swainsonine. It is toxic to cattle and affects the nervous system. This effect results from the
build-up of mannose-based sugars because the animals mannosidase enzymes cannot break
them down.
Fortunately, many toxic compounds can be made harmless. In mammals, the liver plays an
important part in this. Poisonous substances are converted into products which are relatively
harmless. These products are excreted either in bile or urine. Molecular size is often the factor
determining the final route of elimination from the body. Only the smaller molecules are
removed in the urine. The selective ability of primary consumers to overcome the chemical
defences of plants is reflected in the pattern of feeding we see today.
Use information in the passage and your own knowledge to answer the following questions.
(a)
-cyanoalanine (line 6) is a non-protein amino acid. Explain why -cyanoalanine is

(i)
an amino acid;
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
called a non-protein amino acid.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
18
(b)
(i)
Explain why enzymes which contain non-protein amino acids cannot function
properly.
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...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(ii)
Explain why enzymes which do not function properly are not synthesised in lily of
the valley.
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...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Would you expect swainsonine (line 16) to be a competitive or a non-competitive

inhibitor? Explain the evidence from the passage which supports your answer.
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(2)
(d)
Explain one way in which the information in the passage can help to explain why different
species of primary consumer have different ecological niches.
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(2)
(Total 12 marks)
19
10.
Cyanide is a poisonous substance. Cyanogenic clover plants produce cyanide when their tissues
are damaged. The ability to produce cyanide is controlled by genes at loci on two different
chromosomes. The dominant allele, A, of one gene controls the production of an enzyme which
converts a precursor to linamarin. The dominant allele, L, of the second gene controls the
production of an enzyme which converts linamarin to cyanide. This is summarised in the
diagram.
P re c u rso r
(a)
A lle le A
A lle le L
E nzym e A
E nzym e L
L in a m a rin
C y a n id e
Acyanogenic clover plants cannot produce cyanide. Explain why a plant with the
genotype aaLl cannot produce cyanide.
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
A clover plant has the genotype AaLl.

(i)
Give the genotypes of the male gametes which this plant can produce.
..............................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Explain how meiosis results in this plant producing gametes with these genotypes.
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Two plants, heterozygous for both of these pairs of alleles, were crossed. What proportion
of the plants produced from this cross would you expect to be acyanogenic but able to
produce linamarin? Use a genetic diagram to explain your answer.
(3)
20
In an investigation, cyanogenic and acyanogenic plants were grown together in pots. Slugs were
placed in each pot and records were kept of the number of leaves damaged by the feeding of the
slugs over a period of 7 days. The results are shown in the table.
Undamaged
(d)
Damaged
Cyanogenic
160
120
Acyanogenic
88
192
A test was carried out on the results.

(i)
Suggest the null hypothesis that was tested.

..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
was calculated. When this value was looked up in a table, it was found to
correspond to a probability of less than 0.05. What conclusion can you draw from
this?
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(3)
A second investigation was carried out in a field of grass which had been undisturbed for many
years. The table shows the population density of slugs and the numbers of cyanogenic and
acyanogenic clover plants at various places in the field.
Population density of slugs
Number of acyanogenic
2
clover plants per m
Number of cyanogenic
2
clover plants per m
Very low
26
10
Low
17
26
High
10
Very High
21
(e)
Explain the proportions of the two types of clover plant in different parts of the field.
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(4)
(Total 15 marks)
11.
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
C u ltiv a te d f ie ld
22
(a)
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.
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(4)
(ii)
Describe and explain how the diversity of insects in the primary forest would differ
from the diversity of insects in the cultivated field.
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(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;
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..............................................................................................................................
..............................................................................................................................
(2)
23
(ii)
how the concentration of nitrates in the soil is restored 8 - 10 years after cultivation
is abandoned.
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(5)
(Total 15 marks)
12.
Mayflies are insects which lay their eggs in streams and rivers. The nymphs which hatch from
the eggs live in the water for several years.
Mayfly nymphs were collected by disturbing the gravel of a stream bed. A net placed
immediately downstream caught any animals which were washed out of the gravel. Eight
samples were collected from shallow, fast-flowing parts of the stream and eight from deeper,
slow-flowing parts. Nymphs from two different families of mayfly were found. The results are
given in the table.
Family Caenidae
Shallow water
Deep water
Family Baetidae
Shallow water
Deep water
Mean number of nymphs
2.38
12.88
24.50
6.00
Standard deviation
1.51
7.92
6.72
1.51
24
(a)
Describe how you would have collected the samples in order to ensure they were
representative of the habitats being investigated and could be compared with each other.
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(3)
(b)
Which one of the four samples showed the greatest variation within the sample? Give
evidence from the table for your answer.
...................................................................................................................................
...................................................................................................................................
(1)
(c)
The two families of mayfly nymph occupy different ecological niches.

(i)
What is meant by the term ecological niche?

............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Describe the evidence in the table which suggests that the two families of mayflies
occupy different ecological niches.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(1)
(iii)
Explain the advantage to these two families of mayflies of occupying different

ecological niches.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
25
13.
(a)
Explain the meaning of these ecological terms.

Population ...............................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
Community ......................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Some students used the mark-release-recapture technique to estimate the size of a

population of woodlice. They collected 77 woodlice and marked them before releasing
them back into the same area. Later they collected 96 woodlice, 11 of which were marked.
(i)
Give two conditions necessary for results from mark-release-recapture

investigations to be valid.
1 ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
2 ........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Calculate the number of woodlice in the area under investigation. Show your
working.
Answer ......................................................
(2)
26
(c)
Explain how you would use a quadrat to estimate the number of dandelion plants in a field
measuring 100 m by 150 m.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(3)
(d)
Two similar species of birds (species A and species B) feed on slightly different sized
insects and have slightly different temperature preferences. The diagram represents the
response of each species to these factors.
T o le ra n c e o f in d iv id u a ls
o f e a c h s p e c ie s
S p e c ie s A
T e m p e ra tu re
S p e c ie s B
3
4
N um ber of
p re y ite m s
e a te n b y
in d iv id u a ls
of each
s p e c ie s
S p e c ie s A
S p e c ie s B
S iz e o f fo o d ite m
27
(i)
Which of the numbered boxes describes conditions which represent

the niche of species A;
................
the niche of species B;
................
insects too small for species B and temperature too warm for species A; ................
insects too large for species A and temperature too cool for species B?
.................
(2)
(ii)
These two species are thought to have evolved as a result of sympatric speciation.
Suggest how this might have occurred.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 15 marks)
14.
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
28
(a)
Explain how the students could use the mark-release-recapture technique to estimate the
numbers of insects.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(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)
(ii)
What level of probability is normally used to judge whether a difference is

statistically significant?
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(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)
29
(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)
(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)
(iii)
Explain the role of bacteria in making carbon in dead plant remains available to
plants.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 15 marks)
30
15.
Tigers inhabit forests where they feed mainly on large prey animals. Over the past fifty years,
there has been extensive deforestation in many areas where tigers are found.
The graph shows the relationship between the prey biomass of an area and the tiger population
that the area can support.
30
N um ber of
tig e rs p e r
100 km 2
20
10
(i)
300
600
900
P re y b io m a s s / to n n e s p e r 1 0 0 0 k m
1200
2
What is meant by the ecological term population?

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Use the graph to explain how deforestation might cause a reduction in the number of
tigers in an area.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 4 marks)
31
16.
The diagram shows some of the components of a pond ecosystem.

H
O xygen
d is s o lv e s in
p o n d w a te r
I
M ic ro s c o p ic
p h y to p la n k to n
A
F is h
B
F lo a tin g
p la n ts
C
W a te r
G
R o o te d
p la n ts
D
M ud
F
S n a ils fe e d in g o n
o rg a n is m s o n th e
b o tto m o f th e p o n d
(a)
(i)
E
D e co m p o se rs
in m u d
What is an ecosystem?
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
List the letters that represent those components that are part of the pond community.
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
New Zealand pygmy weed has been introduced into many garden ponds and has spread to
some natural ponds. Here, it competes with naturally occurring plants. Suggest how the
introduction of pygmy weed may lead to a reduction in the diversity of the community in
a natural pond.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
32
17.
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)
(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)
33
(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
34
(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)
35
18.
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)
36
(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)
37
(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.
38
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.
39
(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)
19.
One of the most valuable crops planted by the Forestry Commission is spruce because use its
yield of timber is high. Early trial plantings showed that spruce trees grew very slowly when
planted on land on which heather was also growing.
(a)
Name the type of competition shown between spruce and heather.

....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Give two resources for which spruce and heather are likely to be competing.
1. ................................................................................................................................
2. ................................................................................................................................
(1)
40
(c)
Further trial plantings on land dominated by heather showed that the growth of spruce was
greatly assisted by planting another tree species at the same time. This use of a nurse
crop is now standard practice. The table shows the results of some of these trial plantings.
Height of spruce after
15 years / metres
spruce, heather and Japanese larch
4.5
spruce, heather and Scots pine
3.1
spruce, heather and Corsican pine
3.5
spruce and heather
2.0
(i)
Young spruce trees were 50cm high when planted. Calculate the difference in the
rate of growth when these trees were grown with Japanese larch compared to the
control. Show your working.
Answer...............................
(2)
(ii)
Suggest one way in which a nurse crop may aid the growth of spruce trees.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 5 marks)
20.
The drawing shows plants growing in and around a pond.
41
42
(a)
With reference to the drawing, explain the meaning of the terms

(i)
community;
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(ii)
population.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(b)
Describe how you could use point quadrats to investigate the distribution of plants at the
edge of a pond.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 6 marks)
21.
The number of earthworms in a field may be estimated by using frame quadrats. The quadrats
are placed at random on the surface of the area being sampled. The ground is then watered with
a very dilute solution of formalin. The earthworms which come to the surface are collected and
washed.
(a)
(i)
Explain why the quadrats should be placed at random.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
43
(ii)
Throwing a quadrat does not ensure a random distribution. Describe a method by

which you could ensure that the quadrats would be placed at random.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Give one advantage of describing the size of the population in terms of biomass rather
than as the number of earthworms collected.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(c)
Similar sized populations of earthworms were kept in soils at different temperatures. The
earthworms were fed on discs cut from leaves. The table shows the number of leaf discs
eaten at each temperature.
Temperature/C
Number of leaf discs eaten
178
10
204
15
174
20
124
Using information in the table, explain how mean soil temperature and feeding activity
might affect the size of the earthworm population.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 7 marks)
44
22.
Blue tits are common British birds. Some aspects of the behaviour of blue tits at different times
of the year are summarised below.
March April
Adult birds establish breeding territories.
April July
Breeding season. Eggs laid and young hatch. Adult birds collect
food for their young from within their territories.
July March
Birds form flocks which forage for food over a wide area.
(a)
In a study of winter feeding flocks, 36 blue tits visiting a bird table were trapped, and
before release each bird was marked by placing a small metal ring round one of its legs.
The following day 43 blue tits were trapped. Of these, 21 were ringed. Estimate the size of
the blue tit population visiting the bird table.
Show your working.
Estimated size of blue tit population:..............................

(2)
(b)
(i)
Give two reasons why the mark-release-recapture technique would not give a
reliable estimate of the blue tit population in a wood between April and June.
1. .......................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
2. .......................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Suggest how the population of adult blue tits in a wood might be estimated between
April and June.
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
45
23.

Japan may finally swallow the Pill
Three decades after the rest of the industrialised world, Japan has begun its final deliberations on
whether to introduce contraceptive pills. Although they are currently banned in Japan,
contraceptive pills are expected to be approved by government officials in June. The official
explanation for the delay is that there are some concerns that oral contraceptives might
encourage people to give up using condoms. However, many observers think that the real
reasons behind the delay include the governments fears of a shrinking population. Women in
Japan now have on average only 1.4 children each, one of the lowest rates in the world.
The graphs show projections for the size of the Japanese population and the proportion of the
population aged 65 and over.
E stim a te d
p o p u la tio n
s iz e /m illio n s
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
2000
40
P e rc e n ta g e
o f p o p u la tio n 3 0
20
aged 65
10
and over
0
2000
2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Year
2010 2020 2030 2040 2050

Y ear
(Reproduced with permission from New Scientist magazine
(a)
RBI Ltd)
Explain how oral contraceptives containing progesterone and oestrogen work.

....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(5)
46
(b)
Use the information given to evaluate the concerns about introducing oral contraceptives
in Japan.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(c)
Assuming that the projected figures shown in the graph are accurate, explain how you
would expect the population pyramid for Japan in 2050 to differ from that for 2000.
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 12 marks)
24.
An investigation was carried out on competition using two species of Desmodium, which are
herbaceous plants. The following plots were set up for each of the species, D. glutinosum and D.
nudiflorum, resulting in a total of six plots.
Plot A - small individuals were planted 10 cm from large individuals of the same species.
Plot B - small individuals of one species were planted 10 cm from large individuals of the other
species.
Plot C - small individuals of each species were planted at least 3 metres from any other
Desmodium plant.
47
The total increase in leaf length on each of the small plants was measured after four weeks. The
results are shown on the bar chart.
130
P lo t A
P lo t B
P lo t C
40
In c re a s e in le a f
le n g th /m m
20
(a)
(i)
D e s m o d iu m
g lu tin o s u m
D e s m o d iu m
n u d iflo r u m
Name the type of competition in
Plot A...........................................................................................................................
Plot B...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Explain how plot C was used as a control.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
48
(b)
Use the bar chart to explain how competition affects the growth of these two species.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
25.
The effect of grazing by sheep on the growth and reproduction of heather was investigated. Two
areas of moorland were cleared of plants and re-planted with heather seeds. One area was
surrounded by a sheep-proof fence, the other was left unfenced.
The table shows various measurements of the heather plants taken from these two areas.
Measurement
(a)
Date
Fenced area
Unfenced area
Total number of heather

seedlings per square metre
Sept 1980
April 1981
110
95
132
73
Percentage cover of heather

plants
Aug 1992
Aug1993
26.7
42.3
6.2
21.5
Mean number of flower-heads

2
per 0.1 m quadrat
Oct 1993
263
50
Mean number of seeds per

flower-head
Nov 1993
36.7
25.8
Describe how the percentage cover of heather plants on an area of moorland may be
measured.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
49
(b)
Use information in the table to

(i)
describe the effect of grazing by sheep on the establishment and initial growth of
heather;
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
calculate the percentage reduction in total seed production resulting from grazing
by sheep. Show your working.
Answer.............................%
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
26.
(a)
Explain what is meant by an ecological niche.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
50
(b)
Two species of beetle may be found in stored grain. The diagram shows the range of
moisture content and temperature that each species can tolerate.
24
22
S p e c ie s A
20
M o is tu re
c o n te n t o f
g ra in /%
S p e c ie s B
18
16
14
12
10
8
10
12
14
16
T e m p e r a tu r e /C
18
20
22
24
The temperature in different parts of a large grain store ranged from 14 C to 20 C.

The moisture content of the grain was constant at 16%. Beetles of both species were
introduced into the store. What would you expect to happen if
(i)
species A were a more successful competitor than species B;

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(ii)
species B were a more successful competitor than species A?

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
51
27.
Intercropping involves growing two or more different species of plants together. Maize and
beans are intercropped in many tropical regions.
R ow s of
m a iz e p la n ts
B e a n s g r o w in g
b e tw e e n ro w s
o f m a iz e
S o il
Diagrammatic cross-section through a mixed crop of maize and beans
(a)
Identify one abiotic factor which would affect the growth of maize plants. Describe how
you could measure variation in this factor over a 24-hour period.
Abiotic factor
.....................................................................................................................................
Method of measurement
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Describe two ways in which maize plants affect the abiotic environment of the bean
plants.
1. .................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
2. .................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
52
(c)
The maximum yield which could be gained from a plot in which maize and beans
are intercropped would be higher than that which could be gained if either maize
or beans were grown alone. Explain why.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
28.
Great tits are small British birds. During spring and summer, they are found in woodland where
they nest in holes in trees. One of their main predators during this time is the weasel,
a small mammal which is able to climb trees and enter nest holes. Weasels also prey on mice.
The graphs show how three different factors affect the predation of great tits by weasels.
Graph A
50
P re d a tio n
ra te b y
w e a s e ls o n
g r e a t tits /%
40
30
20
10
0
0
0 .4 0 .8 1 .2 1 .6 2 .0 2 .4 2 .8
P o p u la tio n d e n s ity o f g re a t tits /
p a ir s h e c ta re 1
3 .2
Graph B
80
60
P re d a tio n
ra te b y
w e a s e ls o n
g re a t tits /%
40
20
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
D is ta n c e o f g re a t tit n e s t fro m n e a re s t
n e ig h b o u r/m
53
Graph C
50
P re d a tio n
ra te b y
w e a s e ls o n
g r e a t tits /%
40
30
20
10
0
0
(a)
50
100
150
200
250
P o p u la tio n d e n s ity o f m ic e /n u m b e r h e c ta re 1
Describe how the mark-release-recapture method could be used to estimate the population
of mice in the area being studied. What assumptions would you have to make in using this
method?
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(6)
54
(b)
Using information from the graphs, suggest how predation by weasels acts as a densitydependent factor controlling great tit population size.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(c)
Describe and explain the relationship between the percentage of great tits predated by
weasels and the population density of mice shown in Graph C.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 12 marks)
55
29.
The diagram shows population pyramids for England and Wales in 1901, 1931 and 1956.
1901
M a le s
1 1/ 2
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1931
F e m a le s
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
M a le s
1/ 2
1/ 2
0
1
M illio n s
P o p u la tio n p y r a m id 1 9 0 1
1/ 2
1 1/ 2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
F e m a le s
1/ 2
1/ 2
0
1
M illio n s
P o p u la tio n p y ra m id 1 9 3 1
1/ 2
1956
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
M a le s
1 1/ 2
(a)
1/ 2
F e m a le s
1/ 2
0
1
M illio n s
P o p u la tio n p y ra m id 1 9 5 6
1/ 2
To what extent do the data support the view that there was a decrease in birth rate between
1901 and 1931?
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Describe and explain the change in life expectancy for 20 year olds which took place
between 1901 and 1956.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)
56
30.
The graph shows the changes in the size of the collared dove population in Britain following the
introduction of these birds in 1955.
400 000
E s tim a te d
n u m b e rs o f
a d u lt c o lla r e d
doves
300 000
200 000
100 000
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985 1990
Year
(a)
Describe the pattern of population growth shown in the graph.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Explain how a named density dependent factor might have affected population size in the
1980s.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)
57
31.
Barnacles are animals that live on rocky shores. The adults are fixed to the surface of rocks and
do not move. The young larvae can swim freely in the sea. As they get older the larvae settle and
attach themselves to a rock surface. Here they develop into adults which feed on microscopic
plants and animals in the sea when the tide is in. In Britain two species of barnacle, Chthamalus
stellatus and Balanus balanoides, commonly occur together on the same rocky shore.
The diagram shows the typical distribution of the two in relation to the tide levels on a rocky
shore.
D is tr ib u itio n o f
C . s te lla tu s
D is trib u itio n o f
B . b a la n o id e s
M a x im u m
h ig h tid e
le v e l
A d u lts
S e ttle d
la rv a e
S e ttle d
la r v a e
A d u lts
M in im u m
lo w tid e
le v e l
(a)
In both species of barnacle few of the larvae which settle become adults. Explain how
intraspecific competition could account for this.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Suggest how interspecific competition could account for the difference in distribution of
the adults of the two species.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Suggest why there are larvae of C. stellatus above maximum high tide level, but no adults.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
58
(d)
In an investigation, it was found that the presence of adult barnacles stimulated larvae of
the same species to settle in the same area of the shore.
(i)
Suggest a possible stimulus that encourages the larvae to settle.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Suggest an advantage of larvae settling in the same area as the adults.

...........................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
32.
The diagrams show the territories occupied by male blackbirds in two successive years. Each
letter e.g. W, represents one particular adult blackbird. Letters in brackets, e.g. (F), represent
young blackbirds.
White areas show territories.
Black dots show nest sites.
Y ear 1
Y ear 2
O
H
(J K )
H
J
E
(F )
E
M
C
N
59
(a)
The boundaries of the territories occupied by blackbirds E and H have changed over the
two years.
Suggest why this happened.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(b)
Explain one advantage to a blackbird of establishing a territory.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
60
33.
A field is crossed by small ridges and furrows. The distribution in this field of two speciesof
buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus and Ranunculus repens) was investigated, using a transect
across the ridges and furrows. The number of buttercup plants in each of a seriesof long narrow
strips (15cm 200cm) at right angles to the transect was counted. The results are shown in the
graph.
R id g e
P r o file
F u rro w
R id g e
F u rro w
160
N um ber
o f p la n ts
per 15 cm
200 cm
strip
120
80
40
4
6
8
D is ta n c e a lo n g tra n s e c t/m
K ey
(a)
(i)
10
12
R . re p e n s
R . b u lb o s u s
Explain what is meant by a transect.

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Suggest why the counting was done in long narrow strips instead of in square
quadrats.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Describe how the distribution of the two species of buttercup differed.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
61
(c)
In a follow-up experiment, 50 seeds of each species were sown in pots. In half of the pots
the soil was able to drain freely. The other pots had no drainage, so the soil was
waterlogged. The results are shown in the table.
M e a n n u m b e r o f s e e d in g s p e r p o t
Pot
(i)
R a n u n c u lu s b u lb o s u s
R a n u n c u lu s r e p e n s
F re e -d ra in in g s o il
32
12
W a te rlo g g e d s o il
12
Using these results, suggest an explanation for the different distributions of R.

bulbosus and R. repens in the field.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Explain how waterlogging of the soil might affect the rate of growth of a seedling.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
62
34.
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 /%
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
D is ta n c e
63
(a)
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)
(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)
64
35.
10
15
20

The 400 000 hectares of bleak open moorland in the far north of Scotland constitute one
of the finest blanket bogs in the world. Although it supports relatively few species, this
outstanding ecosystem is a wonderful reservoir of wildlife more usually associated with
the Arctic tundra. In the fragile peat grow highly specialised plants that are adapted to
survive in the cold, wet, acidic conditions. Over 30 species of sphagnum moss live there,
each occupying its own niche within the bog. Other characteristic plants are the sundews,
which are insectivorous. They overcome the shortage of nutrients such as nitrates by
digesting small insects that are trapped by long sticky hairs on the leaves. The bog is also
an important breeding ground for several species of birds, which make use of the vast
numbers of insects and other invertebrates that proliferate in early summer. For instance,
about 70% of Britains population of greenshanks breed here, before migrating to the
coasts further south for the winter.
However, this fragile ecosystem is threatened by extensive afforestation with conifers.
Patches of forest already dot the landscape. Drainage work for each patch affects a much
wider area than is to be planted, by lowering the water table and thus altering the habitat
for the mosses. Predators such as foxes live in the forest, and few birds nest within a
kilometre of a forest patch. Patches of forest are, therefore, much more damaging than
they might seem. The rate of growth of trees in this harsh habitat is slow, with many
casualties due to fierce gales. Without the tax incentives made available by the
government, afforestation in this area might well not be economic.
(a)
(i)
Explain what is meant by niche (line 6).

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Explain how drainage work could cause the elimination of some species of moss.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
Suggest why the ecosystem supports relatively few species (line 2).
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Suggest the advantage to the greenshank of migrating from its breeding grounds to the
coast (lines 11-12).
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
65
(d)
Sundew plants are able to digest insects trapped on their leaves. Explain how this is of
benefit to the sundews in this environment.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(e)
Evaluate the case for growing trees in this habitat.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(Total 12 marks)
66
36.
(a)
Using one example of each to illustrate your answer, explain the difference between
density dependent and density independent factors.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(4)
(b)
In 1906 the Kaibab Plateau in the south of the United States was made into a wild-life
reserve. At the time a herd of about 4000 deer lived on the plateau. And the aim was to
protect these deer. It was estimated that the plateau could support about 30 000 deer. All
domestic cattle and sheep were removed, and the coyotes and other predators of the deer
were killed.
The graph shows the changes in the size of the deer population over the following 35
years.
100
75
N um ber
o f d e e r/
th o u s a n d s
50
25
0
1900
1910
1920
Year
1930
1940
67
(i)
Suggest how ecologists might have estimated that the plateau could support a
maximum of about 30 000 deer.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Using your knowledge of the factors affecting population size, suggest explanations
for the changes in the size of the deer population over the period shown by the
graph.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(6)
(Total 12 marks)
68
37.
Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean. The graph shows the birth rate and the death rate for
its human population between 1890 and 1986.
50
R a te p e r
1000
40
b irth ra te
30
20
d e a th ra te
10
0
1890
1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1950
1960
1970
1980 1986
1890
1900
1910
1920
1930 1940
Year
1950
1960
1970
1980 1986
T o ta l
p o p u la tio n
P o p u la tio n
in 1 8 9 0
(a)
(i)
Using the information in the graph, sketch a curve showing the change in the total
population of Mauritius between 1890 and 1986. Sketch your curve on the axes
below the graph
(2)
(ii)
You would need to know the birth rate and the death rate in order to calculate the
population growth in a particular year. What other information would you need?
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
69
(b)
Before 1930, many deaths were due to infectious disease. Describe and explain one piece
of evidence from the graph which supports this statement.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Give one way in which the demographic transition shown in this graph differs from that
which occurred in the United Kingdom.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(Total 6 marks)
38.
(a)
Give the ecological term that best describes each of the following.
(i)
all the living organisms in a particular habitat

....................................................................
(ii)
the particular set of conditions in a habitat to which a species is adapted

....................................................................
(iii)
two species using the same resource in the same habitat

....................................................................
(iv)
movement of a species between two habitats to make use of their resources at

different times
....................................................................
(4)
(b)
Explain what is meant by succession in a habitat.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
70
39.
The distribution of two species of plant, greater plantain and white deadnettle, on a roadside
verge was investigated. The results are shown in the bar graph.
25
N um ber
o f p la n ts
p e r 0 .5 m
20
2
15
10
5
0
0
0 .5
K ey
(a)
(i)
1 .0
1 .5
D is ta n c e f r o m r o a d /m
G re a te r p la n ta in
2 .0
Describe how the data on distribution could have been obtained.

..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
Describe what the data show about the distribution of greater plantain.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
71
(b)
The drawings show the two species of plant.
G re a te r p la n ta in
10 cm
Use evidence from the drawings to suggest a hypothesis that explains the distribution of
greater plantain.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
A diversity index for all of the plants growing on this roadside verge was calculated at
three-year intervals. The table shows the results.
Year
Diversity index
1990
1993
1996
6.1
4.5
3.1
Explain what these results indicate about the plant community on this verge.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 7 marks)
72
40.
A population of brown trout in a river was studied over a period of ten years. Each year the size
of the population was measured in early summer, when it included the newly hatched young, and
again at the end of the summer.
The results are shown in the graph.
1200
1000
N um ber
o f b ro w n
tr o u t in
500 m
stre tc h
o f r iv e r
800
K ey
E a rly s u m m e r
E nd of su m m er
600
400
200
0
1
5
6
T im e /y e a r s
10
It is suggested that the change in population size between early and late summer is due mainly to
one or more density dependent factors.
(i)
Explain what is meant by a density dependent factor.

.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(ii)
Describe and explain the evidence from the graph which suggests that the change is
mainly due to density dependent factors.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
(Total 4 marks)
73
74
41.
The drawings show the areas of a shallow pond covered by greater reedmace and waterlily in
1973 and 1985. Greater reedmace is a tall plant with long strap-like leaves which are upright and
grow out of the water. Waterlilies have broad leaves that float on the surface of the water. Both
plants have roots in the muddy bottom of the pond.
Is la n d
G re a te r
reed m ac e
Pond
W a te r lily
Isla n d
!9 7 3
(a)
(i)
1985
Calculate the percentage increase between 1973 and 1985 in the area covered by
greater reedmace. Show your working.
(2)
(ii)
Use information in the drawings to suggest why the area covered by waterlilies
decreased.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(1)
(b)
The pond contains a population of water beetles. The beetles are about 1.5 cm long.
Describe one way in which the size of the beetle population could be estimated.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
75
.....................................................................................................................................
(3)
76
(c)
In a deep lake, only plants that float near the surface can survive. They depend on a
supply of mineral nutrients from decomposing matter at the bottom of the lake. The
temperature at the bottom of the lake stays almost constant. Explain how differences in the
temperature of the water nearer the surface can affect the supply of nutrients from the
bottom of the lake.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 8 marks)
42.
Cepaea nemoralis is a species of snail that lives in woods and fields. The snails are preyed on by
birds such as thrushes. There are several different colour variations, such as yellow with dark
bands and brown with no bands. The drawings show these two forms of the snail.
Y e llo w , b a n d e d
B ro w n , u n b an d e d
In an investigation, samples of the snail were collected from two sites, one in a beech wood and
the other under a hedge. The results are shown in the table.
N u m b e r o f s n a ils c o lle c te d
C o lle c tio n s ite
(a)
Y e llo w ,
banded
B ro w n ,
unbanded
T o ta l
B eech w ood
32
88
120
H edge
49
26
75
(i)
Calculate the percentage of brown, unbanded snails at each collection site.
Beech wood
..........%
Hedge
..........%
(1)
77
(ii)
A chi-squared test was carried out on the results. Explain the purpose of this test.
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................
(2)
(b)
Give one assumption that needs to be made about the method used to collect the snails.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(c)
Suggest a hypothesis to explain the different proportions of brown, unbanded snails found
at the two sites.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(1)
(d)
Describe how the carbohydrates in the dead leaves in the beech wood would be recycled
by the activity of detritivores and microorganisms.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(7)
(Total 12 marks)
78
43.
The diagram shows the percentage of deaths due to different causes in populations with different
life expectancy at birth.
100
O th e r c a u se s
P e rc e n ta g e
o f p o p u la tio n
V io le n c e
50
D is e a s e s o f th e
c ir c u la to r y s y s te m
In fe c tio u s
d is e a s e s
C ancer
0
40
(a)
(i)
50
60
L ife e x p e c ta n c y a t b irth /y e a rs
70
Sketch a survival curve for a population which has a life expectancy at birth of 40
years.
(1)
(ii)
Sketch an age pyramid for a population which has a life expectancy at birth of 70
years.
(1)
79
(b)
Using information from the diagram, explain how the quality of drinking water affects life
expectancy at birth.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(c)
Suggest an explanation for the change in the percentage of deaths due to cancer shown in
the diagram.
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................................................
(2)
(Total 6 marks)
44.
Blue tits are small birds that breed during April and May. The parents feed the young for 2 - 3
weeks, after which the young birds leave the nest.
(a)
Explain each of the following observations.

(i)
When they leave the nest, young birds from a large brood weigh less than those
from a small brood.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)
(ii)
To grow at the same rate, young birds in large broods need less food than those in
small broods.
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
............................................................................................................................
(2)
80
(b)
The scattergraph shows the results of an investigation into the survival of young birds
after leaving the nest.
35
30
25
P e r c e n ta g e
s u rv iv in g u n til
f o llo w in g
20
s p rin g
15
10
5
0
10
20
30
M ay
D a te o f h a tc h in g
19
June
Suggest two possible explanations for the trend in percentage survival shown in the graph.
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(2)
(Total 6 marks)
81

Population Questions

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Population Questions

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1.

Moose are large herbivorous animals.

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Describe the effect of introducing wolves on the moose population.

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Give the meaning of:

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

The community present in a roadside ecosystem was investigated.

Explain what is meant by:

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Trap num ber

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Describe how you would select limpets at random.

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Use the information in the question to suggest

why the mark-release-recapture method would have given unreliable results;

Suggest why the population density increases in a seed year.

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Use the information in Figure 2 to explain what is meant by directional selection.

Read the following passage.

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Describe how negative feedback is involved in controlling the concentration of cholesterol

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Answer .................................... per 100 000

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

w9. Read the following passage.

-cyanoalanine (line 6) is a non-protein amino acid. Explain why -cyanoalanine is

called a non-protein amino acid.

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Would you expect swainsonine (line 16) to be a competitive or a non-competitive

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

A clover plant has the genotype AaLl.

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

A test was carried out on the results.

Suggest the null hypothesis that was tested.

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

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

Use your knowledge of nitrogen cycling to explain

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Mean number of nymphs

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

The two families of mayfly nymph occupy different ecological niches.

What is meant by the term ecological niche?

Explain the advantage to these two families of mayflies of occupying different

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Explain the meaning of these ecological terms.

Some students used the mark-release-recapture technique to estimate the size of a

Give two conditions necessary for results from mark-release-recapture

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College

Which of the numbered boxes describes conditions which represent