DP Biology (last assessment 2024)

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Question 19M.2.SL.TZ1.8a

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Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 4] Reference code 19M.2.SL.TZ1.8a
Level SL Paper 2 Time zone TZ1
Command term Describe Question number a Adapted from N/A
a.
[Maximum mark: 4]
19M.2.SL.TZ1.8a
(a)

Describe how detritivores obtain nutrition and the effects they have in ecosystems.

[4]

Markscheme

a. «detritivores» obtain nutrition from detritus/waste/dead bodies ✔

b. are heterotrophic ✔

c. removes large waste/cleans up the ecosystem
OR
helps control spread of disease ✔

d. facilitates further decomposition ✔

e. contribute to the supply of «inorganic» nutrients for autotrophs/nutrient cycling
OR
improve soil conditions/aeration ✔

Examiners report

Most candidates got max 2 for mp a (nutrition of detritivores) and mp e (recycling of nutrients). Candidates getting high marks were able to provide correct examples of detritivores and correctly link to their role in enriching the soil and remove dead material. The biggest problem was the notion that detritivores recycle energy.

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