7.4 Trophic levels in an ecosystem (biology only)

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Question 9
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In a marine conservation zone, a giant kelp forest (Macrocystis pyrifera) produces biomass at a rate of 2800 g m−2 year−12800 \text{ g m}^{-2} \text{ year}^{-1}2800 g m−2 year−1.

a.

Assuming an average biomass transfer efficiency of 7.5%7.5\%7.5% from producers to primary consumers, calculate the rate of biomass from this kelp forest that is successfully transferred into the biomass of primary consumers (such as sea urchins). Give your answer in g m−2 year−1\text{g m}^{-2} \text{ year}^{-1}g m−2 year−1.

[2]
b.

Explain two biological reasons why a significant proportion of the biomass produced by the giant kelp is not transferred into the biomass of these primary consumers.

[2]

7.4 Trophic levels in an ecosystem (biology only) Questions

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