Y11 ESS topic 1 unit test version 2
1. The following is a schematic diagram of an “ecotron”. This is a walk-in chamber with
computer controlled climatic conditions for studying small communities
representative of natural ecosystems.
[Source: modified from NERC www.cpb.bio.ic.ac.uk/ecotron/ecotron.html]
1. (a) State whether this is an open, closed or isolated system. Give one reason for
your answer. [1]
Open, due to inputs/outputs of matter/air/water (and energy);
(b) Identify and explain two ways in which the inputs to the system would differ
from the outputs while communities are growing within the ecotron. [4]
inputs would include more CO2 than outputs;
due to net productivity/photosynthesis; (E)
inputs would include less O2 than outputs;
due to net productivity/photosynthesis; (E)
inputs would include more liquid water than outputs; due to absorption by plants; (E)
inputs would include less water vapour than outputs; due to evapotranspiration; (E)
inputs would include more light energy/electricity; whereas outputs would include
more heat energy; due to respiration; (E)
due to conversion of light/electrical energy to heat; (E) inputs greater than outputs in
early stages;
due to growth occurring/biomass increasing; (E)
, Y11 ESS topic 1 unit test version 2
(c)If a fall in temperature of the system is detected by the sensors, mechanisms will be
automatically initiated to increase the temperature. State which kind of feedback
this demonstrates. [1]
negative (feedback);
(d) Distinguish between negative feedback and positive feedback. [2]
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2. For the resources listed below, identify whether each is considered to be renewable,
non-renewable or replenishable. Groundwater is shown as an example. [2]
3. Distinguish between transfer processes and transformation processes. [2]
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. Figure 4 below shows information for Mozambique, a Less Economically Developed
Country (LEDC) and France, a More Economically Developed Country (MEDC).
1. The following is a schematic diagram of an “ecotron”. This is a walk-in chamber with
computer controlled climatic conditions for studying small communities
representative of natural ecosystems.
[Source: modified from NERC www.cpb.bio.ic.ac.uk/ecotron/ecotron.html]
1. (a) State whether this is an open, closed or isolated system. Give one reason for
your answer. [1]
Open, due to inputs/outputs of matter/air/water (and energy);
(b) Identify and explain two ways in which the inputs to the system would differ
from the outputs while communities are growing within the ecotron. [4]
inputs would include more CO2 than outputs;
due to net productivity/photosynthesis; (E)
inputs would include less O2 than outputs;
due to net productivity/photosynthesis; (E)
inputs would include more liquid water than outputs; due to absorption by plants; (E)
inputs would include less water vapour than outputs; due to evapotranspiration; (E)
inputs would include more light energy/electricity; whereas outputs would include
more heat energy; due to respiration; (E)
due to conversion of light/electrical energy to heat; (E) inputs greater than outputs in
early stages;
due to growth occurring/biomass increasing; (E)
, Y11 ESS topic 1 unit test version 2
(c)If a fall in temperature of the system is detected by the sensors, mechanisms will be
automatically initiated to increase the temperature. State which kind of feedback
this demonstrates. [1]
negative (feedback);
(d) Distinguish between negative feedback and positive feedback. [2]
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
2. For the resources listed below, identify whether each is considered to be renewable,
non-renewable or replenishable. Groundwater is shown as an example. [2]
3. Distinguish between transfer processes and transformation processes. [2]
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. Figure 4 below shows information for Mozambique, a Less Economically Developed
Country (LEDC) and France, a More Economically Developed Country (MEDC).
