Question

What types of ecological pyramid would be obtained with the following data?
Secondary consumer: 120g
Primary consumer: 60g
Primary producer: 10g
A. Upright pyramid of numbers
B. Inverted pyramid of biomass
C. Upright pyramid of biomass
D. Pyramid of energy

Answer 1

Hint: Commonly in most aquatic ecosystems, the pyramid of biomass would be turned upside down. In this pyramid, the primary producer biomass is less when compared with consumer biomass.

Complete Answer:
To answer this question, first, we need to know about the ecological pyramid. To answer this question, we have to know about the ecological pyramid. An ecological pyramid is a graphical presentation figure out to display the bioproductivity or biomass at every trophic level in an ecosystem.

Now, let us find the solution from the option.
- Pyramid of numbers represents the number of individuals per unit area at various trophic levels. It is always upright in grassland, pond and lake ecosystems but in forest or single tree ecosystems, it is spindle – shaped.
- Biomass is defined as the quantity of living components found at a trophic level. Inverted biomass pyramid consists of the lowest individual of the primary producer that assists primary consumers and the secondary consumers are highest in individuals. The given data follows a trend where primary producer< primary consumer < secondary consumer.
- In the aquatic ecosystem the producers are tiny organisms with less biomass and the biomass gradually rises towards the top of the pyramid.
- Pyramid of energy recognizes as the graphical presentation of the shifting of energy via every successive trophic level in a food chain. There exists some loss of energy when the energy transfers through successive trophic levels.

Thus, the correct option is B i.e. Inverted pyramid of biomass.

Note: An ecological pyramid not only displays us the eating habits of organisms in various ecosystems, but can also provide us an concept of how energy move from one trophic level to another, and show the influence that a modification in quantities at one trophic level can have on the trophic levels top and below it. Also, when information is collected over the years, the effects of the modifications that occur in the habitat on the organisms can be recalled by comparing those informations.