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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?
Most Upvoted Answer
Consider the following statements:1. In most terrestrial ecosystems, ...
Statement 1 is correct. In most terrestrial ecosystems, the pyramid of biomass has a large base of primary producers with smaller trophic levels on top, reflecting the greater biomass of plants compared to herbivores and carnivores.
Statement 2 is correct. In many aquatic ecosystems, the pyramid of biomass can be inverted, meaning that the biomass of primary producers (phytoplankton) is less than that of the higher trophic levels (zooplankton and fish). This inversion occurs because the primary producers reproduce and are consumed rapidly, maintaining a lower biomass.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The energy pyramid always remains upright because energy flow in an ecosystem follows the laws of thermodynamics, with energy decreasing at each successive trophic level due to inefficiencies in energy transfer.
Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: 1 and 2 Only.
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Community Answer
Consider the following statements:1. In most terrestrial ecosystems, ...
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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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 Onlyb)1 and 2 Onlyc)1 and 3 Onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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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 Onlyb)1 and 2 Onlyc)1 and 3 Onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. 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 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 Onlyb)1 and 2 Onlyc)1 and 3 Onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. 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 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 Onlyb)1 and 2 Onlyc)1 and 3 Onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
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