Energy & Biomass in Ecosystems (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL): Exam Questions

Explain how the first law of thermodynamics is demonstrated in the figure below, as solar energy flows through the primary producers.

Explain how the second law of thermodynamics applies to the food chain shown in the figure below.

Identify four factors that contribute to the controversial nature of using the insecticide DDT.

The figures below show a pyramid of numbers and a pyramid of biomass for a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Explain how the pyramid of numbers shown above can have fewer producers than consumers.

The figures below show a pyramid of numbers and a pyramid of biomass for a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

State one other type of ecological pyramid that can be used to demonstrate trophic levels within ecosystems.

Evaluate pyramids of numbers as a method of representing trophic levels within ecosystems.

Use the figure below to produce a food chain that includes exactly four trophic levels.

Outline how two named human activities can alter the pyramid structure of the trophic levels within a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Outline the role of primary producers in ecosystems.

Explain the vulnerability of top carnivores to non-biodegradable toxins.

Only around 1% of the light energy that reaches the Earth’s atmosphere is captured by plants and made available to other organisms in the food chain.

Suggest reasons for this low value.

Evaluate the use of food webs as models for studying ecosystems.

Discuss the impacts of persistent or non-biodegradable pollutants, such as DDT or mercury, on ecosystems.