Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Conservation

Conservation — practice question

The natterjack toad, Bufo calamita, is a UK amphibian species that is endangered. It emerges from hibernation in April and reproduces in pools near sand dunes along sections of the UK coastline. From a fertilised egg, a young natterjack toad needs about 10 weeks to develop. At night, a natterjack toad hunts on the sand dunes by running after its prey, mainly insects and worms. Fig. 1.1 shows a natterjack toad.
(a)[3]

Suggest what factors may have led to the natterjack toad becoming an endangered species in the UK.

(b)[2]

Fig. 1.2 gives the number of adult natterjack toads counted in one area of the UK from 1989 to 1997. Calculate the mean yearly number of adult natterjack toads counted from 1989 to 1997. Give your answer to the nearest whole number. Show your working.

(c(i))[2]

Explain what heterotrophic means.

(c(ii))[1]

Name two kingdoms that are entirely heterotrophic.

(d)[1]

Every year the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) publishes the Red List, which is a list of endangered species. Vertebrates make up a much larger proportion of the Red List than invertebrates do. Suggest one reason why the Red List includes far more vertebrates than invertebrates.

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