Question

Graphic representation of biomass relationship between the producers and consumers in an ecosystem is called
A. Trophic level
B. Ecological system
C. Ecological niche
D. Ecological pyramid

Answer 1

Hint: An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of nature that is self-regulated and self-sustaining. Living beings and their physical environment are the components of an ecosystem.
The biomass or bio productivity at each trophic level is represented by a graph which can be upright as well as inverted.

Complete answer: The graphical representation of biomass relationship between the producers and consumers in an ecosystem is called the ecological pyramid. Ecological pyramids are of three types: the pyramid of numbers, the pyramid of biomass, and the pyramid of energy.
i. The number of individuals per unit area at the different trophic levels is represented graphically by the pyramid of numbers. The producers are kept at the base and the top carnivores at the top. The pyramid of numbers is mainly upright. The producer level has the maximum number of individuals.
ii. A graphic representation of biomass present sequence wise per unit area at different trophic levels is defined as the pyramid of biomass. The producers are kept at the base and the top carnivores are present at the top. For terrestrial habitats, this pyramid is upright while aquatic organisms have an inverted or spindle-shaped pyramid.
iii. The amount of energy trapped per unit area and time at the different trophic levels is graphically represented by the pyramid of energy. It is always upright.

Additional information: The trophic level is a division of the food chain. Producers and consumers are two trophic levels. Within an ecosystem, the position of a species is defined by an ecological niche. An ecological parameter like biomass, energy or the number of organisms present at different trophic levels of a food chain can be graphically represented by an ecological pyramid.
Thus, the correct answer is option is D.

Note: The concept of pyramid of numbers ("Eltonian pyramid") was developed by Charles Elton (1927). Later, it would also be expressed in terms of biomass by Bodenheimer (1938). The idea of the pyramid of productivity or energy relies on works of G. Evelyn Hutchinson and Raymond Lindeman (1942).