Ecological Pyramid

Ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of the trophic structure of an ecosystem. It depicts the flow of energy and matter through the ecosystem from the producers to the top consumers. There are three types of ecological pyramids: pyramid of numbers, pyramid of biomass, and pyramid of energy.

DFC Ecological Pyramid

DFC (Decomposer Fungi and Bacteria) ecological pyramid is not drawn as it represents the decomposers, which are not visible or quantifiable. They break down the organic matter and return the nutrients to the soil. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the number or biomass of decomposers.

GFC Ecological Pyramid

GFC (Grassland Food Chain) ecological pyramid is always upright, as the biomass of producers (grass) is greater than that of consumers (herbivores) and top predators (carnivores). This is because the producers have a high rate of photosynthesis, which leads to the accumulation of biomass.

Inverted Pyramid of Numbers in Aquatic Ecosystem

The pyramid of numbers is inverted in aquatic ecosystems because the producers (phytoplankton) have a high rate of reproduction and growth, leading to a high number of individuals. However, the biomass of producers is low as they are small and have a short life span. Therefore, the number of herbivores (zooplankton) is less than that of producers, but their biomass is greater as they feed on a large number of small producers.

Upright Pyramid of Biomass in Aquatic Ecosystem

The pyramid of biomass is upright in aquatic ecosystems because the biomass of producers (phytoplankton) is high due to their high rate of photosynthesis. This leads to a high biomass of herbivores (zooplankton) and top predators (fish), as they feed on a large amount of phytoplankton. Therefore, the pyramid of biomass is always upright in aquatic ecosystems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct statement regarding ecological pyramid is that for DFC ecological pyramid is not drawn. This is because decomposers are not visible or quantifiable. The pyramid of biomass is upright for aquatic ecosystems as the biomass of producers is high. However, the pyramid of numbers is inverted in aquatic ecosystems due to the high rate of reproduction and growth of producers. The pyramid of biomass is always upright for GFC ecological pyramid as the biomass of producers is greater than that of consumers.

An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of the relationship between different organisms in an ecosystem. Ecological pyramids are of three types: the pyramid of a number, the pyramid of biomass, and the pyramid of energy.



In most ecosystems, the pyramid of numbers and biomass are always upright except for the pyramid of biomass for aquatic ecosystem and the pyramid of number for tree ecosystem.

In an ecosystem dominated by trees, the pyramid (of numbers) is of Inverted type because it makes more biomass that leads to the large population of birds and insects as compared to the trees.

In a deepwater ecosystem, the producers are small organisms (phytoplankton) with the least biomass and the biomass gradually increase towards the apex of the pyramid (from small fishes to large fishes). Thus the pyramid of biomass of aquatic ecosystems is inverted in shape.

The pyramid of energy is always upright because the energy flow in a food chain is always unidirectional that means energy flow at successive trophic levels always decreases.


So, the correct answer is option C.