Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Biodiversity

Biodiversity — practice question

Biodiversity may be looked at on three separate levels. Fig. 5.1, Fig. 5.2 and Fig. 5.3 are pictures that illustrate these three levels of biodiversity.
(a)[3]

Describe the biodiversity level that is most obvious in each image. Fig. 5.1, Fig. 5.2, Fig. 5.3.

(b(i))[4]

Outline how the students could measure the biodiversity of plants and insects along a prairie strip.

(b(ii))[2]

Mathematical methods and statistical tests are useful for summarising and comparing biodiversity data. Name the mathematical method or statistical test that the students can use: to estimate the total biodiversity of a prairie strip; to test whether plant biodiversity is associated with insect biodiversity.

(c)[3]

Prairie strips have both environmental and economic impacts. Scientists have taken long-term measurements of the environmental impacts of prairie strips. The scientists discovered that when prairie strips made up $10\%$ of a crop-field: soil erosion was reduced by $95\%$; mineral loss from the field was reduced by $90\%$ for phosphorus compounds; mineral loss from the field was reduced by $85\%$ for nitrogen compounds. Crop plants need phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) to grow. Evaluate the economic effects of prairie strips on farming.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Fig. 5.1 indicates species diversity

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