Question

According to Charles Elton, which is not correct?
(A) Carnivores are at the top of the pyramid
(B) Energy trapping is high at the top of the pyramid
(C) Producers at the top of the pyramid
(D) Both B and C

Answer 1

Charles Elton was a biologist who frames the basic principle of animal ecology. He developed the concept of the Ecological pyramid which is also called an Eltonian pyramid. Ecological pyramids are the graphical representation of various organisms in a stable ecosystem.

Complete answer:
● Each layer of the pyramid represents a trophic level based on who eats whom.
● Ecological pyramids are of three types: Pyramids of number, Pyramids of biomass, and
Pyramids of energy.
● In Ecological pyramids, Carnivores (wild animals) are at the top of the pyramid and
Producers (green plants) at the bottom.
● Producers manufacture foods and provide it to the next trophic level, and they provide it to
the subsequent trophic level.
● As producers manufacture their own foods, this trophic level has maximum energy trapping,
and this energy trapping will become low as we move to the top. So, energy trapping will be
low for top trophic levels
● Carnivores are at the top of the ecological pyramid. So, this statement is correct
● Energy trapping becomes low as we move towards the top. So, energy trapping will not be
high on the top of the pyramid. So, this statement is incorrect.
● As discussed earlier; Producers occupy the base of the pyramid. So, this statement is also
incorrect.
So, the answer to the above question is an option D.

Note: All Ecological pyramids are upright except in the parasitic food chain which is inverted and some pyramids of biomass which may be upright or inverted in shape. Pyramids of biomass in grasslands and forest represent the upright pyramid. However, in the pond the pyramid of biomass becomes inverted.