All questions of Functions of An Ecosystem for BPSC (Bihar) Exam

Consider the following statements about the pyramid of numbers - upright:
1. The number of individuals decreases from lower level to higher trophic level.
2. Grasses occupy the lowest trophic level because of their biomass.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    2 Only
  • b)
    1 Only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Dhruba Menon answered
Pyramid of numbers: 
It depicts the numbers of individual organisms at different trophic levels of the food chain. 
It is helpful to calculate the changes observed in the number of organisms in each trophic level. 
An upright pyramid of numbers, the number of individuals decreases from the lower level to the higher level. 
This type of pyramid is usually found in the grassland ecosystem and the pond ecosystem. 
T
he grass in a grassland ecosystem occupies the lowest trophic level because of its abundance   
We can identify which level is in the endangered zone and need to be saved. But its limitation is we cannot count a number of all organisms accurately.


Consider the following statements about the pyramid of biomass:
1. Individuals in his trophic level are weighed instead of being counted.
2. The Biomass of producers is at the bottom.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    2 Only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Kavita Mehta answered
Both statements are correct.

1. In a pyramid of biomass, the weight (biomass) of all individuals in each trophic level is considered instead of counting the number of individuals. This gives a more accurate representation of the energy available in each trophic level, as larger organisms typically have more energy stored in their tissues.

2. The pyramid of biomass is structured with producers at the bottom, representing the largest amount of biomass in the ecosystem. Producers (e.g., plants) convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain. As energy transfers up the trophic levels through consumption, energy is lost in the form of waste and heat, resulting in a decrease in biomass as you move up the pyramid. This is why the biomass of producers is at the bottom of the pyramid, as they represent the largest amount of available energy in the ecosystem.

Consider the following statements:
1. In most terrestrial ecosystems, the pyramid of biomass typically has a large base of primary producers with smaller trophic levels on top.
2. In many aquatic ecosystems, the pyramid of biomass tends to be inverted.
3. An energy pyramid can be inverted under certain conditions, similar to the pyramid of biomass.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 Only
  • b)
    1 and 2 Only
  • c)
    1 and 3 Only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Understanding the Statements
The statements provided relate to ecological pyramids, specifically biomass and energy pyramids in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Let's evaluate each statement individually.
Statement 1: Pyramid of Biomass in Terrestrial Ecosystems
- In most terrestrial ecosystems, the pyramid of biomass indeed has a large base of primary producers (plants) at the bottom, supporting smaller biomass at higher trophic levels (herbivores and carnivores).
- This statement is correct as it reflects the typical structure of terrestrial food webs.
Statement 2: Inverted Pyramid of Biomass in Aquatic Ecosystems
- In many aquatic ecosystems, particularly in those with high turnover rates (like phytoplankton), the biomass pyramid can be inverted.
- Here, the biomass of primary producers (phytoplankton) may be less than that of the higher trophic levels (zooplankton and fish), especially when considering seasonal changes.
- This statement is also correct.
Statement 3: Inverted Energy Pyramid
- While energy pyramids are typically not inverted because energy is lost at each trophic level (usually about 90% loss), there are rare conditions where they can appear inverted, depending on specific ecological dynamics.
- However, this is uncommon and generally not accepted as a standard characteristic of energy flow in ecosystems.
- Hence, this statement is somewhat misleading and not typically regarded as correct.
Conclusion
Based on the evaluations:
- Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
- Statement 3 is misleading regarding the general principles of energy flow.
Thus, the correct answer is option B: 1 and 2 Only.

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