Tip of an ecological pyramid is occupied bya)Producersb)Herbivoresc)Ca...
The “ecological pyramid” is a ‘graphical representation’ of the biomass present in each trophic level of the ecosystem. These pyramids which are a representation of the energy levels begin with the producers in the bottom and end with the consumers at the tip. It is said that at each energy level there is only a transfer of “10 percent of the energy” that goes to the next level.
View all questions of this test
Tip of an ecological pyramid is occupied bya)Producersb)Herbivoresc)Ca...
Answer should be none of the above...
because the tip of the ecological pyramid is occupied by top carnivores.
Tip of an ecological pyramid is occupied bya)Producersb)Herbivoresc)Ca...
The correct answer is option 'C' - Carnivores.
Ecological pyramids are graphical representations of the trophic structure and energy flow within an ecosystem. They show the distribution of biomass, energy, or numbers of organisms at each trophic level. There are three types of ecological pyramids: pyramid of numbers, pyramid of biomass, and pyramid of energy.
Pyramid of numbers: It represents the number of individuals at each trophic level in an ecosystem. In most cases, the pyramid of numbers is upright, with the producers forming the base and the carnivores occupying the top of the pyramid.
Pyramid of biomass: It represents the total biomass (weight) of organisms at each trophic level. The pyramid of biomass is also usually upright, with the producers having the highest biomass and the carnivores having the lowest biomass.
Pyramid of energy: It represents the flow of energy through each trophic level. Energy is lost as it moves up the trophic levels, resulting in a decrease in energy availability at higher levels. The pyramid of energy is always upright, with the producers receiving the highest energy input and the carnivores receiving the lowest energy input.
Explanation:
The tip or the highest level of an ecological pyramid is occupied by the carnivores. This is because energy is lost as it moves up the trophic levels due to metabolic processes, heat loss, and incomplete digestion. As a result, there is less energy available at higher trophic levels. Carnivores, being at the top of the food chain, have to obtain their energy from consuming other organisms. They require more energy to sustain themselves compared to the producers and herbivores, as they have to expend energy in hunting, capturing, and digesting their prey.
Producers, such as plants and algae, occupy the base of the ecological pyramid as they are capable of converting sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis. They have the highest biomass and energy input in the ecosystem.
Herbivores, which are primary consumers, occupy the level above the producers in the ecological pyramid. They obtain their energy from consuming plants and algae.
Carnivores, including secondary and tertiary consumers, occupy the top of the ecological pyramid. They obtain their energy by consuming other organisms, including herbivores. Since energy is lost at each trophic level, there is less energy available to support a large number of carnivores, resulting in a smaller biomass and fewer individuals at this trophic level.
In conclusion, the tip of an ecological pyramid is occupied by carnivores due to the decrease in energy availability and biomass as we move up the trophic levels.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed NEET study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in NEET.