Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)
Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 5: Ecology and Succession Exam Questions
Free Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) exam questions on Topic 5: Ecology and Succession, with mark schemes. Covers abiotic and biotic factors, succession, sampling methods and population size.
Topic 5: Ecology and Succession exam questions
These packs of real past exam questions cover the whole of Topic 5: On the Wild Side, including Topic 5: Ecology and Succession. Work through every question on this sub-topic, then mark your answers against the mark scheme.
StemUp mark scheme flashcards
Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards (Anki & Quizlet)
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Use them on Anki or Quizlet, then test yourself with the questions on this page.
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About Edexcel A Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) Topic 5: Ecology and Succession
This part of Topic 5 covers how communities change and how ecologists measure them. Fieldwork practicals link here.
What you need to know
- Abiotic and biotic factors Light, temperature and water versus predation, competition and disease.
- Succession Pioneer species colonise, conditions change, and the community develops to a climax community.
- Sampling Quadrats and transects, random sampling, and measuring abiotic factors.
- Statistics Use of correlation tests such as Spearman's rank.
Common mistakes in Topic 5: Ecology and Succession
- Confusing primary and secondary succession.
- Not explaining why sampling must be random.
- Describing correlation as proof of causation.
Try three Topic 5: Ecology and Succession exam-style questions
1. Describe primary succession. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Pioneer species colonise bare rock (1); they die and form soil, changing abiotic conditions (1); other species replace them until a climax community forms (1).
2. Explain why random sampling is used. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
To avoid bias in choosing sample sites.
3. Give two abiotic factors that affect plant distribution. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Any two: light intensity, temperature, soil pH, water availability, mineral ions (1 each).
Topic 5: Ecology and Succession FAQs
What does this part of SNAB Topic 5 cover?
Ecological factors, succession and fieldwork methods.
Is there a core practical?
Yes, an ecological investigation using quadrats or transects.
Do I need statistics?
Yes, for example Spearman's rank correlation for fieldwork data.
Revise this topic with flashcards: Edexcel A Level Biology A (SNAB) 9BN0 Flashcards, with mark scheme answers for Anki and Quizlet.
