# Explain what is meant by interdependence and describe how the removal of one species from a woodland community could affect the other organisms living there.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 9.1 Ecosystems · Explain · 4 marks

> A woodland ecosystem contains oak trees, caterpillars that feed on oak leaves, blue tits that feed on caterpillars, and sparrowhawks that feed on blue tits. A disease kills all the caterpillars in the woodland.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Interdependence is the dependence of different organisms on each other for survival
2. Blue tit population would decrease because their food source (caterpillars) has been removed
3. Sparrowhawk population would decrease because blue tit numbers have fallen, reducing the sparrowhawks' food supply
4. Oak trees could be less damaged / increase in leaf coverage because there are no caterpillars feeding on their leaves

## Key terms

- [interdependence](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/interdependence)
- [community](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/community)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-is-meant-by-interdependence-650416e2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.