Question

Differentiate between two different types of pyramids of biomass with the help of one example each.

Answer 1

Hint:- During the studies of the basic parameters of the ecosystem the graphical representation of these parameters is obtained in the pyramidal shapes called the pyramids of the ecosystem. The most common ecological parameters are number, biomass, and energy. Every organism is related to other organisms based on their feeding habits due to which they occupy a particular level in the ecosystem called 'trophic level’.

Complete step-by-step solution:-
In an ecosystem as the producers are maximum thus they occupy the base of the pyramid making the base widest and the higher trophic levels occupying the upper levels of the pyramids making the apex of the pyramid narrowest. In most of the ecosystems, the pyramid of the number, the pyramid of biomass, and the pyramid of energy are upright. Mostly pyramids of biomass are uptight but sometimes an inverted pyramid of biomass can also be seen.
The biomass pyramid in a tree ecosystem is upright as the base is occupied by the primary producer (tree) having the highest biomass, then the primary consumers (birds) occupy the second level with less biomass than the tree, and finally, the apex is occupied by the top consumers (parasites on the birds) having the least biomass in the ecosystem. Thus, the biomass pyramid in the tree ecosystem is upright.
The pyramid of biomass in an aquatic ecosystem will be inverted. In this ecosystem, the producers (microorganisms) are having the least biomass occupying the base. This base is narrowest. Then the primary consumers (zooplankton) occupy a higher level with more biomass than the producers. Similarly, secondary consumers (small fishes) feeding on the primary consumers occupy another higher level. And finally, the top consumers (large fishes) feeding on the small fishes are having the highest biomass thus occupying the apex of the pyramid.

Note:- Biomass is the standing crop of the ecosystem expressed regarding weight (organism mass). The pyramid of biomass represents the standing crop of the ecosystem. As the trophic level increases a sharp decrease in the standing crop or the biomass is seen at the higher trophic level in the case of an upright pyramid of biomass. But in the case of an inverted pyramid of biomass, a small standing crop of producers supports the large standing crop of the higher levels.