Question

Read the following statements regarding ecological pyramids and choose the correct answer.

a. The relationship between organisms at different trophic levels is expressed in terms of number, biomass and energy.

b. Any calculations of energy content, biomass or number has to include one group of the organism at that trophic level.

c. In most ecosystems, all the pyramids of number, biomass and energy are upright.

d. The pyramid of biomass in the sea is generally inverted.

e. Pyramid of energy is always inverted and can never be upright.

• A. (a), (c) and (d) are wrong
• B. (a) is wrong
• C. (b) and (e) are wrong
• D. (a) and (e) are wrong

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

(b) and (e) are wrong

Answer 2

Among the following statements regarding ecological pyramids, statements (b) and (e) are wrong

Detailed Solution: Ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of the relationship between organismsat different trophic levels. The pyramid is expressed in terms of number, energy, and biomass.

• Pyramid of Number: It denotes the number of organisms found at each trophic level.
• Pyramid of Biomass: It depicts the amount of biomass produced by each trophic level.
• Pyramid of Energy: It depicts the flow of energy from consumers to producers.

Any calculations of energy content, biomass or number have to include all groups of organisms at that trophic level.

In most ecosystems, all the pyramids of number, biomass and energy are upright as the producers mainly have high numbers, maximum biomass and thus greater energy and it decreases as we move from producers to higher trophic levels.

In some ecosystems, the pyramid of number and the Pyramid of Biomass is inverted. For example, the pyramid of biomass in the sea is generally inverted.

However, the pyramid of energy is always upright and never inverted.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (c) - (b) and (e) are wrong.