Question

Which of the following organisms were not given any place in ecological pyramids?
A. Saprophytes/ Decomposers
B. Producers
C. Parasites
D. Carnivore

Answer 1

Hint: An ecological pyramid is a graphic representation of the relationship between different organisms in an environment. Energy moves in an upward direction starting from producers (plants or organisms that make their own food) followed by the primary consumers.

Complete answer:
Ecological pyramids begin with the producers at the bottom of the pyramid (i.e. plants, algae). Then it is followed by the primary consumers (i.e. herbivorous animals like deer, elephants etc.) these feed on these plants.
Later it moves on to the next level where there are carnivorous animals that feed on herbivorous (tigers, lions). The highest level is the top of the food chain. In parasites food chain the pyramid of numbers is inverted. In this, the primary producer is followed by secondary consumers (Parasites). Saprophytes are organisms which feed on dead and decaying matter from the environment. Decomposers are placed alongside the pyramid table because they help in breakdown of dead organisms at trophic level into molecules. So even being one of the important organisms in pyramid saprophytes/ decomposers has no place in the ecological pyramid. Saprophytes/ Decomposers are useful in many ways.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A)

Note: Saprophytes/ Decomposers, by breaking down the dead organic material generate energy. Examples of decomposers are fungi, worms, and bacteria. The dead matter which we eat is known as “detritus” which means “garbage”.