Pyramid of number & Pyramid of biomass - Environment & Biodiversity
Q. Which of the following ecological pyramid/pyramids can be inverted?
1) Pyramid of number
2) Pyramid of biomass
3) Pyramid of energy- Published on 28 Aug 15a. Only 2 and 3
b. Only 1 and 2
c. All of the above
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Only 1 and 2
Ecological pyramids are the graphic representations of trophic levels in an ecosystem.
They are pyramidal in shape and they are of three types: The producers make the base of the pyramid and the subsequent tiers of the pyramid represent herbivore, carnivore and top carnivore levels. Energy pyramids are never inverted. In most of the terrestrial ecosystems the pyramid of biomass is upright. However, in case of aquatic ecosystems the pyramid of biomass may be inverted. In some instances the pyramid of number may be inverted, i.e. herbivores are more than primary producers as you may observe that many caterpillars and insects feed on a single tree.
