Question

Define with examples, pyramids of number and biomass.

Answer 1

Hint: An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation which gives us an idea about the connection between organisms at different trophic levels. supported expression in terms of number, biomass, and energy. This is of three types, pyramid of the number, pyramid of biomass, and pyramid of energy which include all groups of organisms at that trophic level.

Complete step by step answer:
An ecological pyramid is a diagrammatic representation in the form of energy, biomass and number organisms showing the linkage between the various trophic levels of an ecosystem.
Pyramid of number- The pyramid that provides the number of organisms at each trophic level in a food chain is named pyramid of number.
Example; oak $\rightarrow$ caterpillar $\rightarrow$ bird $\rightarrow$ sparrowhawk
The producer within the given food chain is the oak plant.
A caterpillar feeds on many oak leaves, the bird feeds on many caterpillars and finally, the sparrow hawk consumes on many blue tits. Hence the amount of organisms decreases at each trophic level.
Pyramid of biomass The pyramid that provides the entire weight of the organisms at each trophic level is named pyramid of biomass.
Example; oak $\rightarrow$ caterpillar $\rightarrow$ bird $\rightarrow$ sparrowhawk
The total mass of organisms at each stage of a food chain decreases because the number of organisms decreases at each trophic level.
The feeding patterns of the organisms in different ecosystems can be seen with help of an ecological pyramid. It also helps us to note an insight into how inefficient energy transfer is, also the influence that a change in numbers at one trophic level can have on the trophic levels above and below it. Also, the effects of the changes that take place in the environment of the organisms can be studied after collecting and comparing the data over many years.

Note: Because of pollution or overhunting by the human beings there has been a huge impact on the ecosystem. Since, ecosystem’s conditions are found to be worsening over the years, again and again, action can be taken to prevent further damage and possibly reverse some of the damages at the present.