GCSE Biology - Pyramids of Biomass #87

The video tutorial explains the concept of biomass in a food chain, highlighting how biomass decreases as you move up trophic levels due to energy loss. It details the reasons why only about 10% of biomass is transferred between levels, such as incomplete consumption, non-absorption, and energy use in respiration. The tutorial also covers how to calculate the efficiency of biomass transfer using specific examples.

What does the pyramid in a food chain represent?

• The energy flow between levels

• The biomass of each trophic level

• The lifespan of organisms at each level

• The number of organisms at each level

Why is the total mass of snakes lower than that of rabbits in a food chain?

• Snakes are heavier than rabbits

• There are fewer snakes than rabbits

• Rabbits live longer than snakes

• Snakes eat more than rabbits

Which of the following is NOT a reason for limited biomass transfer between trophic levels?

• Some consumed parts are not absorbed

• Energy is used for respiration

• Organisms do not eat every part of their prey

• Most nutrients are used for growth

What is the main use of absorbed nutrients in animals?

• Growth

• Reproduction

• Respiration

• Storage

How do you calculate the efficiency of biomass transfer between trophic levels?

• Divide the biomass of the previous level by the next level

• Divide the biomass transferred to the next level by the biomass available at the previous level and multiply by 100

• Multiply the biomass of the next level by 100

• Subtract the biomass of the next level from the previous level