Question

Differentiate between
Pyramid of energy and pyramid of numbers

Answer 1

Hint:Ecological pyramid is a graphical representation showing the relationship between different organisms in an ecosystem. It shows the flow of energy at different trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Complete answer:
In this question, we will be dealing with the key differences between the pyramid of energy and the pyramid of numbers. Using a table lets list the key differences between them,

Pyramid of energy	Pyramid of numbers
The pyramid of energy shows the rate of energy flow and/or productivity at successive trophic levels.	The pyramid of numbers shows the relationship between producers and consumers at successive trophic levels in terms of their number.
In this pyramid energy in each trophic level is considered as a level in the pyramid.	In this pyramid, the number of organisms in each trophic level is considered as a level in the pyramid.
It is usually upright except for some situations, e.g., detritus food chain, where many organisms feed on one dead plant or animal.	It is always upright as the energy flow in a food chain is always unidirectional.

Additional information:The importance of ecological pyramids are,
->They show the efficiency of energy transfer. The present condition of the ecosystem can be monitored and also any kind of damage can also be prevented. It demonstrates feeding of different organisms in different ecosystems.

Note:The 10% law was given by Raymond Lindeman. This law states that when energy is transferred from one trophic level to the other, only 10% of energy from the organic matter is passed on.