IB Biology HL C4.2 Transfers of Energy and Matter Question Bank

Practise IB Biology HL C4.2 by tracing energy flow, nutrient cycling, biomass transfer, productivity and carbon fluxes across trophic levels.

Exam points

distinguish continuous one-way energy flow from recycling and exchange of matter
trace light or chemical energy into producers and through consumers, detritivores and decomposers
calculate or interpret trophic transfer, productivity, biomass and losses from ecological data
trace carbon stores and fluxes and explain how photosynthesis, respiration or combustion alters sinks and sources

Covered syllabus points

C4.2.1—Ecosystems as open systems C4.2.2—Sunlight as principal energy source C4.2.3—Chemical energy flow C4.2.4—Food chains and food webs C4.2.5—Supply to decomposers C4.2.6—Autotrophs as self-feeders C4.2.7—Energy sources C4.2.8—Heterotrophs C4.2.9—Energy release C4.2.10—Trophic levels C4.2.11—Energy pyramids C4.2.12—Energy reductions C4.2.13—Heat loss C4.2.14—Restrictions on trophic levels C4.2.15—Primary production C4.2.16—Secondary production C4.2.17—Carbon cycle diagrams C4.2.18—Carbon sinks and sources C4.2.19—CO₂ release during combustion C4.2.20—Keeling Curve analysis C4.2.21—Dependence between respiration and photosynthesis C4.2.22—Recycling of all chemical elements

[Maximum number: 1]

An investigation into food web interactions was conducted in mesocosms in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of France. The effects of the addition of soil and fish on bacterial populations were tested.

Figure for Question C4.2 Transfers of energy and matter question 1 — IB Biology HL

Each of the mesocosms is an open ecosystem. State the property that makes the mesocosms open ecosystems.

[Maximum number: 7]

Compounds of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen are used to supply and store energy.

Explain how the energy supply in an ecosystem is dependent on sunlight.

[Maximum number: 4]

The mass of an individual organism can affect its physiology and feeding ecology. The diagram shows the relative mass of carbon (black) and total wet mass (grey) of a marine crustacean, Calanus hyperboreus and a jellyfish, Bathocyroe fosteri.

Figure for Question C4.2 Transfers of energy and matter question 3 — IB Biology HL

(a)

State one process that results in the loss of carbon dioxide from a marine organism such as a crustacean or a jellyfish.

[ 1 ]

(b)

Explain how energy enters, flows through and is lost from marine food chains.

[ 3 ]

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Covered syllabus points

C4.2 Transfers of energy and matter question 1

C4.2 Transfers of energy and matter question 2

C4.2 Transfers of energy and matter question 3

Question (a)

Question (b)