Pyramids of biomass, energy and numbers

Question 1

What is the pyramid of energy?

Answer 1

The pyramid of energy is a graphical representation that shows the flow of energy at different tropic levels in an ecosystem.

Question 2

Mention the key points about the pyramid of energy?

Answer 2

1. Energy decreases as it moves up each trophic level.
2. Only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next level; the rest is lost as heat, movement or waste.
3. Producers (Plants) from the base with the most energy, and top level predator have the least.

Question 3

What is the pyramid of biomass?

Answer 3

The pyramid of biomass is a graphical representation, which shows the total mass of all living organisms (biomass) at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Question 4

Mention the key points about the pyramid of biomass?

Answer 4

1. Biomass typically decreases as you move up the pyramid
2. Measured in units like gram per square metre. (g/m2)
3. Represents the dry mass of organisms.

Question 5

What is the pyramid of numbers?

Answer 5

The pyramid of numbers is a graphical representation to display the number of individual organisms at each trophic level.

Question 6

Mention the key points about the pyramid of numbers?

Answer 6

1. Unlike energy or biomass pyramids, this can sometimes appear inverted (for example, one tree supports many insects)
2. usually, there are few individuals at higher trophic levels due to energy limits