Question

A small standing crop of phytoplankton supports a large standing crop of zooplankton. This can be correctly represented by:

• A. Inverted pyramid of energy
• B. Inverted pyramid of biomass
• C. Upright pyramid of biomass
• D. Sometimes upright and sometimes inverted pyramid of energy

Hint:

In aquatic ecosystems, the biomass pyramid can be inverted because the turnover rate of phytoplankton is much faster than zooplankton.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In most ecosystems, the biomass pyramid is upright, with producers at the bottom and higher trophic levels on top. However, in some aquatic ecosystems like those with phytoplankton and zooplankton, the pyramid of biomass may be inverted, where the biomass of zooplankton (higher trophic level) is greater than that of phytoplankton (lower trophic level).
Step 2: Conclusion.
This scenario represents an inverted pyramid of biomass.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{The correct answer is (2) Inverted pyramid of biomass.}} \]