5

On the wild side

Activity 5.1: The leaf as a factory for photosynthesis
Feature of green leaves surface area versus cross-section epidermis Significance, function or role of feature Palisade mesophyll cells are spread out over a wide area, maximising the amount of light absorbed. Contains and supports the turgid mesophyll cells, protecting them from invasion by some parasites and from excess water loss. Allows passage of light to cells below. Stomata are the site of inward diffusion of carbon dioxide (and of water vapour out). Chloroplasts receive maximum illumination. Continuous air spaces aid gaseous exchange by diffusion. Supports leaf tissue as thin, flexible structure. Xylem in veins delivers water to cells. Phloem in veins transports sugar produced to storage sites.

I Activities answers and responses

pores (stomata) in epidermis chloroplasts of mesophyll cells air spaces in mesophyll vein network of leaf

Activity 5.7: Feeding relationship terms a quick check

We have seen that the nutrition of green plants is autotrophic (meaning self feeding). In ecology, green plants are known as producers. In contrast, animals and most other types of organism use nutrients obtained by digestion. These they absorb into their cells and tissues. Animal nutrition is described as heterotrophic (meaning other nutrition), and in ecology animals are known as consumers. Some consumers (herbivores) feed directly and exclusively on plants. Herbivores are primary consumers. Animals that feed exclusively on other animals (carnivores) are known as secondary consumers. Carnivores that feed on secondary consumers are called tertiary consumers, and so on. Eventually, all producers and consumers die and decay. Organisms that feed on dead plants and animals, and on the waste matter of animals, are saprotrophs (meaning putrid feeding), and in ecology these feeders are known as detritivores or decomposers. Feeding by saprotrophs releases inorganic nutrients from the dead organic matter, including carbon dioxide, water, ammonia, and ions such as nitrates and phosphates. These inorganic nutrients are absorbed and re-used by green plants. Thus, the matter organisms require is endlessly recycled and re-used, whereas energy inputs from the Sun are transferred from organism to organism but all is lost into space as heat, sooner or later.

Edexcel Biology for A2 Dynamic Learning

Hodder Education 2009

ON THE WILD SIDE: ACTIVITIES ANSWERS AND RESPONSES

Activity 5.8: Food webs and energy flow

A linear food chain energy flow heat energy lost to space

respiration

respiration

LIGHT ENERGY

photosynthesis

green plant producer

feeding

primary consumer

feeding

secondary consumer

death, waste matter and faeces

detritivores and saprotrophs

Activity 5.10: Checking definitions

Feature of a freshwater lake the whole lake the flow of water through the lake the total mass of vegetation growing in the lake the temperature variations in the lake all the frogs of the lake all the plants and animals present browsing on surface growths of algae by freshwater snails the mud of the lake Applicable term from list ecosystem abiotic factor biomass abiotic factor population community biotic factor habitat

Activity 5.14: Estimating animal populations using MRR

The sizes of the woodlouse population at days 2, 16, 31, 46 and 76 are given in this table.
Day 2 16 31 46 76 n1 7 14 25 19 19 (n2 (6 (12 (24 (16 (14 2) 2) 3) 2) 2) n3) N 21 84 200 152 133

The annotations to the curve in your graph are an opportunity to speculate on:
I

the initial rapid rise in numbers (could this be due to continuing immigrations, initial absence of competition for abundant resources, lack of presence of predators when population is small, or some other factor?) the subsequent stabilisation of population numbers (is this caused by a balance becoming established between reproduction and predation pressures, or is it related to the idea of the carrying capacity for that habitat?).

Edexcel Biology for A2 Dynamic Learning

Hodder Education 2009

ON THE WILD SIDE: ACTIVITIES ANSWERS AND RESPONSES

Activity 5.16: The concept of niche

Features distinguishing the niches of cormorant Habitat
I I I I I

shag
I I I I I

coasts, estuaries and inland lakes nests in small colonies high on narrow ledges, or in lakeside trees seabed prey (fish) feeds close to shore flies fast and direct, at relative height

rocky coast and islands nests in small colonies among boulders or in caves surface-swimming prey (fish) feeds further out to sea flies low, with quick wing beats interrupted by short glides

Diet Behaviour

Activity 5.22: Understanding limiting factors in photosynthesis

1 At point A, the light intensity is sufficient for photosynthesis to produce as much oxygen as respiration in the leaf is consuming the compensation point. 2 The stages of the curves at which light intensity is limiting the rate of photosynthesis are B and C. 3 The stages of the curves at which light intensity is not limiting the rate of photosynthesis are D and E. 4 The conclusion to be drawn from the results of repeating the investigation at a higher concentration of carbon dioxide is that at D the rate is limited by the carbon dioxide concentration. 5 The factor that may be limiting the rate of photosynthesis at E is the carbon dioxide concentration (or the temperature).

Edexcel Biology for A2 Dynamic Learning

Hodder Education 2009