Question 1: Define biomass transfer in the context of trophic levels.

Answer: Biomass transfer refers to the movement of organic material from one trophic level to the next through consumption, representing the amount of biological mass transferred between levels.

Question 2: Explain why biomass transfer efficiency is typically less than 100%.

Answer: Because energy is lost as heat, waste, and through metabolic processes during transfer, resulting in less biomass being passed on to the next level.

Question 3: What is the typical percentage range of biomass transfer efficiency between trophic levels in most ecosystems?

Answer: 10-20%

Question 1: A producer in a forest has a biomass of 5000 kg per hectare. Primary consumers have a biomass of 300 kg per hectare. Calculate the biomass transfer efficiency from producer to primary consumers. Show your working.

Answer: Efficiency = (Biomass of primary consumers / Biomass of producers) x 100 = (300 / 5000) x 100 = 6%.

Question 2: If a secondary consumer has a biomass of 45 kg per hectare, what is the transfer efficiency from primary to secondary consumers, given that the primary has 300 kg?

Answer: Efficiency = (45 / 300) x 100 = 15%.

Question 1: Describe a basic experimental setup to measure biomass in a terrestrial ecosystem. Include the variables that should be controlled and the safety precautions needed.

Answer: A typical setup involves sampling plant biomass in a defined area using quadrats, measuring dry weight after drying samples at a specified temperature, ensuring consistent sampling methods, using protective gloves and safety goggles, and avoiding environmental damage.

Question 2: Identify three variables that should be kept constant when comparing biomass across different trophic levels in an experiment.

Answer: Temperature, time of sampling, and method of biomass measurement.

Question 1: In a grassland ecosystem, the biomass of grasses is 8000 kg per hectare, herbivores have a biomass of 400 kg, and carnivores have a biomass of 40 kg. Interpret what this data suggests about biomass transfer efficiency and energy flow within this ecosystem.

Answer: The data indicates that biomass transfer efficiency is low, with only about 5% from grasses to herbivores and 10% from herbivores to carnivores, reflecting energy loss at each trophic level. This suggests a significant reduction in biomass and energy as it moves up the food chain.

Question 1: Explain how knowledge of biomass transfer efficiency can be applied in agriculture to improve crop yields and sustainable farming practices.

Answer: Understanding biomass transfer efficiency helps farmers optimise feed and resource use, select appropriate crop varieties, and manage energy inputs efficiently to maximise productivity while maintaining ecosystem health.

Question 2: Discuss how biomass transfer principles can be utilised in designing sustainable fishing practices.

Answer: Applying biomass transfer principles allows for setting sustainable catch limits based on the productivity of fish populations, understanding energy flow to prevent overfishing, and ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems by maintaining balanced trophic levels.