Researchers measured the dry biomass at two trophic levels in a coral reef food chain.
| Trophic level | Dry biomass in g per m2 |
|---|---|
| 4 | 2.50 |
| 5 | 0.300 |
In this habitat, consumer populations with a dry biomass below 0.050 g per m2 do not persist.
Assume that the efficiency of biomass transfer from trophic level 5 to trophic level 6 would be the same as the efficiency from trophic level 4 to trophic level 5.
Explain why this food chain is unlikely to develop a sixth trophic level. Use calculations.
103 exam-style questions on AQA GCSE Biology 7.4 Trophic levels in an ecosystem, covering 7.4.1 Trophic levels, 7.4.2 Pyramids of biomass, and 7.4.3 Transfer of biomass. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.