Question

Which pyramid is always upright in an ecosystem?

• A. Pyramid of energy
• B. Pyramid of biomass
• C. Pyramid of numbers
• D. All of the above

Hint:

Energy pyramids are always upright because only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding ecological pyramids.
Ecological pyramids represent the relationship between organisms at different trophic levels in an ecosystem. These pyramids can be of numbers, biomass, or energy.
Step 2: Understanding the pyramid of energy.
The pyramid of energy shows the flow of energy from one trophic level to the next. Since energy is lost at every trophic level (mainly as heat), the amount of energy always decreases as we move up the food chain.
Step 3: Analysis of different pyramids.
Pyramid of numbers: May be upright or inverted depending on the ecosystem.
Pyramid of biomass: Can be inverted in aquatic ecosystems.
Pyramid of energy: Always upright because energy decreases at each successive trophic level according to the second law of thermodynamics.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The pyramid of energy is always upright in all ecosystems because energy flow is unidirectional and decreases at each trophic level.