Edexcel GCSE Biology

Food security

Edexcel GCSE Biology revision on Food security. Aligned to the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 specification. This bank has 5 practice questions on this topic.

Sample questions (3 of 5)

  1. Question 1

    Which biological factor most significantly limits the global production of food in modern agriculture?

    • A) Excessive use of fertilisers
    • B) Pathogen spread in crops
    • C) Limited water availability
    • D) Increased carbon dioxide
    Show answer

    Answer: Pathogen spread in crops

    While environmental factors like water are important, the Edexcel specification highlights pests and pathogens as primary biological threats. These organisms compete with humans for food resources by destroying crops before or after harvest, leading to significant food security issues.

  2. Question 2

    Why is the efficiency of energy transfer lower in intensive livestock farming compared to growing crops for human consumption?

    • A) Animals have higher respiration
    • B) Crops require more sunlight
    • C) Crops have lower protein mass
    • D) Animals grow much slower
    Show answer

    Answer: Animals have higher respiration

    When humans consume crops directly, they are at the second trophic level. By eating livestock, humans move to the third trophic level, meaning a large proportion of the initial energy from plants has been lost through the animal's life processes, primarily respiration.

  3. Question 3

    What is the primary goal of using mycoprotein to improve global food security?

    • A) To increase soil fertility
    • B) To provide protein source
    • C) To reduce carbon emissions
    • D) To replace water usage
    Show answer

    Answer: To provide protein source

    Mycoprotein is produced through the fermentation of the fungus Fusarium. It provides a high-quality protein source that can be cultured in large volumes, reducing the land and resource pressure associated with rearing traditional livestock.

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