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Edexcel IAL Biology 5.9 GPP, NPP and plant respiration

Rearrange GPP equals NPP plus respiration, check area and time units and show the productivity or percentage calculation before interpreting plant biomass.

Syllabus
First assessment 2019
Course
Biology YBI11
Level
A2

Exam points

  • Apply NPP equals GPP minus respiration and rearrange for any missing quantity.
  • Calculate NPP as a percentage of GPP with suitable area and time units.
  • Connect higher photosynthesis and GALP production to increased plant biomass.

5.9—GPP, NPP and plant respiration question 1

[Maximum number: 7]

Stages of succession can be seen on different parts of a sand dune system.
The greater the distance of the sand dune from the sea, the later the stage of succession.
The diagram shows a sand dune system and the table gives some information about the different types of sand dune in this system.

Figure for Question 5.9—GPP, NPP and plant respiration question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Biology A2
Table for Question 5.9—GPP, NPP and plant respiration question 1 — Edexcel A-Level Biology A2

Question (a)

(a)

Sand dunes can be classified as fixed dunes, semi-fixed dunes and shifting dunes.

The graph shows the mean net primary productivity (NPP) above the ground and below the ground for these three types of sand dune.

Figure for Question (a) — Edexcel A-Level Biology A2
[ 7 ]

Question (i)

(i)

Describe the conclusions that can be drawn from this graph.

[ 3 ]

Question (ii)

(ii)

Explain how the products of the light-independent reactions become NPP below the ground.

[ 4 ]
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