A student counted the number of plants of two species, species D and species E, in five areas of a hillside. She also measured the pH of the soil in each area.
Table: The soil pH and the number of plants of species D and species E in five areas of a hillside
| Area | Soil pH | Number of species D plants | Number of species E plants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4.2 | 46 | 2 |
| 2 | 5.0 | 38 | 9 |
| 3 | 5.8 | 21 | 24 |
| 4 | 6.6 | 8 | 41 |
| 5 | 7.4 | 1 | 52 |
Describe how the number of species E plants changes as the soil pH increases. Use data from the table in your answer.
A gardener adds lime to soil to increase the soil pH. Suggest what would happen to the number of species D plants in area 5 if lime was added to the soil in area 5. Give a reason for your answer.
The student concluded that soil pH causes the difference in the numbers of species D and species E. Give one reason why this conclusion may not be correct.
63 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Biology 7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition, covering 7.1.1 Communities, 7.1.2 Abiotic factors, 7.1.3 Biotic factors, and 7.1.4 Adaptations. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.