5B Farming Practices and Production

Question 1

What do food chains show

Answer 1

how energy is transferred through an ecosystem

Question 2

What is each stage in a food chain called

Answer 2

a tropic level

Question 3

What role do decomposers play in food chains

Answer 3

they break down undigested or dead material allowing nutrients to be recycled

Question 4

How do farming practices increase efficiency of energy transfer

Answer 4

The energy lost to other organisms can be reduced

The energy lost through respiration can be reduced

Question 5

How does simplifying food webs reduce energy loss to other organisms

Answer 5

Insecticides kill pests and damage crops meaning that less biomass is lost the growth is grater so NPP is greater

Herbicides kill weeds which can remove direct competition with the crop for energy from the Sun

Parasites kill organisms or reduce their ability to function

Question 6

How does reducing respiratory losses mean energy is transferred more efficiently

Answer 6

movement increases respiration, so movement is reduced
The pens are often heated and are indoors so less energy is lost by generating body heat

Question 7

benefits of reducing respiratory losses

Answer 7

more food can be made in a shorter space of time

Question 8

Ethical issues of livestock in cages

Answer 8

can cause pain, distress and restricts their natural behaviour