IB Biology SL C4.2.11 Energy Pyramids Questions

Use energy-per-area-per-time units to construct and interpret trophic bars, compare energy available between levels and evaluate energy-pyramid model limits in IB Biology SL C4.2.11.

Exam points

Define a pyramid of energy as a representation of energy available at each trophic level per unit area per unit time, using units such as kJ m⁻² yr⁻¹.
Construct or interpret stepped energy-pyramid bars in trophic order, using supplied production values or diagrams to label producers and consumers and compare energy available between levels.
Explain or evaluate energy-pyramid model limitations, including energy-flow changes over time, incomplete food-web assignment and omitted transfers outside the displayed trophic bars.

[Maximum number: 3]

The following table shows the approximate production of organisms living in a salt marsh in the USA.

Table for Question IB Biology SL C4.2.11 Energy Pyramids Questions question 1 — IB Biology SL

Construct a pyramid of energy showing the trophic levels for this salt marsh.

Figure for Answer to Question IB Biology SL C4.2.11 Energy Pyramids Questions question 1 — IB Biology SL

Correct shape of pyramid with base larger than primary consumer and secondary consumer smaller than the rest.
Pyramid proportions very close to 80:10:1 / correctly labelled values with units: 24000, 3000 and $300\ \mathrm{kJm}^{-2}\mathrm{y}^{-1}$ .
Correctly labelled levels.

All question bank results loaded

IB Biology SL C4.2.11 Energy Pyramids Questions question 1