B16 Biomass, Food and Biotechnology Flashcards
Which organisms are found f trophic level 1?
Producers
Which organisms are found on trophic level 4?
Tertiary consumers
What is the importance of decomposers within an ecosystem?
Secrete enzymes that break down organic matter into nutrients for plants
How is biomass transferred?
Through the food chain
Why is biomass lost?
-Uneaten material
-Waste products
How can biomass be ‘wasted’ in an organism?
Some is excreted, and some is broken down in processes like respiration
Roughly how much biomass is passed on to the next trophic level?
About 10%
List 3 factors impacting food security:
-Increasing population
-Changing diets
-New pests/pathogens affecting farming
List 2 methods of preventing overfishing:
-Fishing quotas
-Limiting net size
How can keeping animals in temperature controlled environments increase the efficiency of food production?
The animals transfer less energy to maintain their body temperature, so more is available for growth
List 3 methods of increasing efficiency of food production:
-Restricting movement of animals
-Keeping livestock in temperature controlled conditions
-Feeding animals a high-protein diet
List 2 negatives of factory farming:
-Lack of consideration for animal welfare- cruel
-Can increase the spread of infectious disease
-Energy required to maintain temperature
What is mycoprotein?
Protein derived from fungi
What is the main source of mycoprotein?
Fusarium fungi
How can mycoprotein be derived from Fusarium?
The fungus is grown in large vats with glucose syrup. It is supplied with oxygen, nitrogen (ammonia) and other minerals. The fungal biomass is harvested, purified and dried.
