Question

(ii) The ecological pyramids may have an ‘upright’ or an ‘inverted’ shape. Justify with the help of suitable examples.
[0.5cm]

Hint:

The shape of ecological pyramids depends on the ecosystem's structure and energy or biomass flow.

Answer 1

Upright pyramids occur in terrestrial ecosystems where energy flows from a large producer base (e.g., plants in grasslands) to fewer herbivores and carnivores. Inverted pyramids are seen in aquatic ecosystems where producers like phytoplankton have lower biomass but support larger biomass consumers like fish. Upright biomass pyramids reflect higher productivity at the base, while inverted pyramids arise due to rapid phytoplankton turnover. Both pyramid types showcase energy and biomass flow, differing based on the ecosystem's unique dynamics. % Quick tip