Ecosystems hard qs

Question 1

Explain the differences in the % of energy transferred between the trophic levels (2)

Answer 1

1 plant material difficult to digest / animal material can be digested easily;
2 ref to, cellulose / lignin / wood;
3 no cellulase;
4 (animal) gives similar spectrum of amino acids (as consumer);
5 energy used by gut microorganisms;
6 much material cannot be eaten (by primary consumer);

Question 2

explain what is meant by biological resource with reference to paper and timber production

Answer 2

trees are living organisms ;
renewable ;
ref to, growth / growing ;
timber is, of use to human beings / made into products ;

Question 3

explain what is meant by sustainable production with reference to paper and timber production

Answer 3

harvested at levels which leave sufficient organisms ;
to grow / reproduce, and replenish what has been harvested ;
ref to, coppicing / replanting / afforestation ;
can be carried on indefinitely ;

Question 4

describe coppicing process

Answer 4

tree cut, close to ground/down to its stump/AW; R down to trunk
new growth forms/AW;
harvest after a number of years/process repeated;
rotational coppicing/AW;
ref to how coppicing increases biodiversity
e.g. increasing light intensity;

Question 5

what are the economic benefits of having a woodland of coppiced and non coppiced trees

Answer 5

(standards) large planks/AW; A used as timber
A standards more valuable/AW
(coppice) small diameter wood/fencing/hurdles/garden
furniture/charcoal/firewood/matches;
(coppice) continuous, source of timber/income;
recreational use/nature reserve; A ref to tourism