B4.1.4 - Pyramids of biomass Flashcards
1
Q
What do pyramids of numbers show?
A
The population at each trophic level
2
Q
What are pyramids of biomass?
A
A diagram presenting the amount of biomass present at each trophic level of a food chain
3
Q
How do you calculate biomass?
A
Scientists take samples of organisms from each trophic level. They measure the average mass of each organisms and multiply it by the number or organisms present to calculate the total biomass at each trophic level
4
Q
Why is it hard to construct an accurate pyramid of biomass?
A
Because some organisms feed at more than trophic level
5
Q
Why do scientist normally calculate the dry mass of an organism?
A
Because water content can vary between individuals
