Question

If you were to count the number of insects feeding on a big tree what kind of pyramid would you get? Now add an estimate of the number of small birds depending on the insects, as also the number of large birds eating the smaller. Draw the shape you would get from the above mentioned data.

Answer 1

Hint: The comparative quantity of energy or matter encompassed within each trophic level of the given food chain and food web is represented in the terms of ecological pyramids. The three distinct kinds of ecological pyramids are as follows: Pyramids of energy, Pyramid of biomass, and Pyramid of numbers.

Complete answer:
The population in the different levels of the food chain is represented by the help of a pyramid of numbers. As the number of insects is grazing on the tree. We graphically represent this condition with the help of a pyramid of numbers. Based on the given data in the question, a spindle-shaped pyramid could be recognized which signifies a number pyramid. A number of the tree remains only one in case of this pyramid. But, a huge number of insects will be present. So, the size of the pyramid will increase, but the number of small birds is less in comparison with insects. So, the size of the pyramid will become narrow. Even the larger birds are less as compared to the number of small birds. So, the size of the pyramid becomes narrower. So, the tree is the producer, insects are the primary consumers, small birds are the secondary consumers and larger birds are the tertiary consumers.

Note: A given position inhabited by the living organism in the food web is known as its trophic level. In simple words, what it eats and what eats it. The food chain is defined as the flow of energy and nutrients along with the sequel of a living organism that eats one another. Various food chains are interconnected and form the Food Web.