UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >  Consider the following types of ecological py... Start Learning for Free
Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:
1. Pyramids of number
2. Pyramid of biomass
3. Pyramids of energy
How many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?
  • a)
    Only one
  • b)
    Only two
  • c)
    All three
  • d)
    None
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of num...
  • An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of the relationship between different organisms in an ecosystem.
  • Types of Ecological Pyramids:
  • The pyramid of Numbers is the graphic representation of the number of individuals per unit area of various trophic levels.
    • Upright Pyramid of Numbers: In 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. The grass in a grassland ecosystem occupies the lowest trophic level because of its abundance.
    • Inverted Pyramid of Numbers: Here, the number of individuals increases from the lower level to the higher trophic level. For example, the tree ecosystem. Thus, the Pyramid of Numbers can be inverted and Upright. Hence option 1 is not correct.
  • Pyramid of Biomass as the name suggests shows the amount of biomass (living or organic matter present in an organism) present per unit area at each trophic level.
  • Upright Pyramid of Biomass: Ecosystems found on land mostly have pyramids of biomass with large bases of primary producers with smaller trophic levels perched on top, hence the upright pyramid of biomass.
    • Inverted Pyramid of Biomass: A reverse pyramidal structure is found in most aquatic ecosystems. Here, the pyramid of biomass may assume an inverted pattern. This is because, in a water body, the producers are tiny phytoplankton that grow and reproduce rapidly. In this condition, the pyramid of biomass has a small base, with the producer biomass at the base providing support to consumer biomass of large weight. Hence, it assumes an inverted shape. The pyramid of Biomass can be inverted and Upright. Hence, option 2 is not correct.
  • The pyramid of Energy is a graphical structure representing the flow of energy through each trophic level of a food chain over a fixed part of the natural environment. An energy pyramid represents the amount of energy at each trophic level and the loss of energy at each is transferred to another trophic level.
  • The energy pyramid, sometimes called the trophic pyramid or ecological pyramid, is used in quantifying the energy transfer from one organism to another along the food chain. Energy decreases as one moves through the trophic levels from the bottom to the top of the pyramid. Thus, the energy pyramid is always upright. Hence, option 3 is correct.
Free Test
Community Answer
Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of num...
Pyramids of Ecological Pyramids

Pyramids of Number:
- Pyramids of number can be inverted in shape. This is because the number of individuals at lower trophic levels can be larger than the number of individuals at higher trophic levels, leading to a pyramid shape.

Pyramid of Biomass:
- Pyramids of biomass can be inverted in shape. This can occur when the biomass of the organisms at lower trophic levels is less than the biomass of organisms at higher trophic levels due to differences in individual size or growth rates.

Pyramids of Energy:
- Pyramids of energy can never be inverted in shape. This is because energy is lost as it moves through trophic levels, resulting in a decrease in energy available at higher trophic levels. Therefore, the energy pyramid always has a shape where the energy decreases as you move up the trophic levels.
Therefore, out of the three types of ecological pyramids mentioned, only the pyramid of energy cannot be inverted in shape. The pyramids of number and biomass can potentially be inverted depending on the specific ecosystem and interactions between organisms.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Consider the following types of ecological pyramids:1. Pyramids of number2. Pyramid of biomass3. Pyramids of energyHow many of the pyramids given above can never be inverted in shape?a)Only oneb)Only twoc)All threed)NoneCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev