Communities & Ecosystems (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS): SL)

The figures below show a pyramid of numbers and a pyramid of biomass for a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

i)

Explain how the pyramid of numbers shown above can have fewer producers than consumers.

[1]

ii)

State one other type of ecological pyramid that can be used to demonstrate trophic levels within ecosystems.

[1]

Evaluate pyramids of numbers as a method of representing trophic levels within ecosystems.

Use the figure below to produce a food chain that includes exactly four trophic levels.

Outline how two named human activities can alter the pyramid structure of the trophic levels within a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Outline the role of primary producers in ecosystems.

Explain the vulnerability of top carnivores to non-biodegradable toxins.

Define the term ecosystem.

Evaluate the use of food webs as models for studying ecosystems.

Discuss the impacts of persistent or non-biodegradable pollutants, such as DDT or mercury, on ecosystems.