Describe how food supply affects the rate of population growth of a species.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 19.4 Populations · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

A population of rabbits lives in a grassland habitat. The amount of grass available in the habitat changes from season to season.

Model answer (4 marks)

A large food supply allows organisms to breed more successfully, increasing birth rate
A large food supply leads to a higher rate of population growth
A food shortage leads to a higher death rate
A food shortage results in slow or negative population growth

Examiner tips

Use the exact wording from the mark scheme
Show clear cause–effect links
Keep each point brief and to the point
Use correct biological terms

Common mistakes

Using vague terms such as "more food" without linking to birth or death rates
Mixing up birth and death rates
Including irrelevant details such as habitat type

Mark scheme (4 marks)

A large food supply allows organisms to breed more successfully, increasing birth rate
A large food supply leads to a higher rate of population growth
A food shortage leads to a higher death rate
A food shortage results in slow or negative population growth

Key terms in this question

population · food supply · population growth