Question 1
1 markMany animals living on the sandy shore are described as infauna. What is the primary advantage of this lifestyle in this specific ecosystem?
Cambridge International A Level · Marine Science (9693)
The sandy shore: Practice Questions
5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on The sandy shore.
10 questions26 marksFree, no account
Question 2
1 markThe morphology of the sandy shore is heavily influenced by wave energy. A researcher recorded the following observations for two different beaches:
Beach X: High wave energy, slope angle \( 8^{\circ} \), coarse sand particles.
Beach Y: Low wave energy, slope angle \( 1^{\circ} \), fine sand particles.
Which conclusion is most accurate regarding the sediment transport and stability of these beaches?
Question 3
1 markWhy is the sandy shore generally characterized by a lack of macroscopic primary producers compared to the rocky shore?
Question 4
1 markIn an investigation of the sandy shore, a student compared the water retention and capillary action of two different sediment samples. The data is shown in the table below:
Sample A: Mean particle diameter \( 0.125\text{ mm} \), Water retained after 1 hour: \( 35\% \)
Sample B: Mean particle diameter \( 1.0\text{ mm} \), Water retained after 1 hour: \( 12\% \)
Which statement best explains the biological significance of these physical properties for infauna?
Question 5
1 markWhich of the following best explains why the sandy shore typically exhibits lower species biodiversity compared to a rocky shore?
Question 6
3 marksExplain why sandy shores with larger sand particles generally exhibit higher permeability compared to those with finer silt particles.
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Question 7
5 marksExplain how the physical properties of a sandy shore substrate act as a limiting factor for the biodiversity of sessile organisms.
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Question 8
5 marksUsing a named example of a sandy shore organism, explain how its ability to burrow serves as an adaptation to both desiccation and predation during a tidal cycle.
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Question 9
4 marks(a) Explain why the high permeability and porosity of a sandy shore substrate contribute to the lack of surface-dwelling primary producers.
(b) Many organisms on the sandy shore are described as infauna. State one advantage of this lifestyle in relation to temperature and desiccation during a low tide.
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Question 10
4 marks(a) Describe the physical properties of the substrate on a sandy shore that make it an "unstable" environment for sessile organisms.
(b) Use the concept of trophic levels to explain why a sandy shore food web might have fewer levels compared to a rocky shore food web.
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