Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Conservation

Conservation — practice question

The natterjack toad, Bufo calamita, is an endangered amphibian in the UK. It emerges from hibernation in April and reproduces in pools beside sand dunes along parts of the UK coast. A young natterjack toad takes about 10 weeks to develop from a fertilised egg. At night, a natterjack toad hunts by chasing its prey, mainly insects and worms, on the sand dunes. Fig. 1.1 shows a natterjack toad.
(a)[3]

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

(b)[2]

Fig. 1.2 displays the number of adult natterjack toads counted each year from 1989 to 1997 in one area of the UK. Calculate the mean annual 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 is meant by heterotrophic.

(c(ii))[1]

Name two kingdoms that are only heterotrophic.

(d)[1]

Each year the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) issues a list of endangered species known as the Red List. Compared with invertebrates, the Red List contains a much higher proportion of vertebrates. Suggest one reason why the Red List includes far more vertebrates than invertebrates.

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