Intensive farming methods are used to increase food production. Explain how intensive livestock farming limits energy loss from animals in order to maximise yield.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 20.1 Food supply · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Model answer (4 marks)

1. Animals are kept in confined spaces, restricting their movement.
2. Restricted movement means less energy is used for muscle contraction, so less energy is lost through movement.
3. A constant optimum warm temperature is maintained in the enclosure.
4. Because the animals do not need to thermoregulate, less energy is lost as heat to the surroundings.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact wording from the mark scheme (e.g., "confined spaces", "optimum warm temperature").
  • Show the causal link: less movement → less energy used, and constant temperature → no thermoregulation needed.

Common mistakes

  • Writing that animals are simply 'kept in cages' without linking to energy loss.
  • Failing to mention the temperature control or thermoregulation aspect.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Animals are kept in confined spaces / movement is restricted
  2. Restricting movement reduces energy used in muscle contraction / less energy lost through movement
  3. A constant optimum / warm temperature is maintained in the enclosure
  4. Animals do not need to thermoregulate / less energy is lost as heat to the surroundings

Key terms in this question

yield · energy loss

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