Question

With respect to limitation of Ecological pyramids, which of the following statements are correct? a) It does not take into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels. b) It assumes a simple food chain, something that almost never existed in nature. c) It accommodates saprophytes. d) It does not accommodate a food web. Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. c and d
• B. a, b and d
• C. a and b
• D. b and c

Hint:

Ecological pyramids oversimplify ecosystems by ignoring food webs and dual trophic roles, unlike the complex reality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

• Definition of Ecological Pyramids: Ecological pyramids represent the trophic structure and energy flow, but they have limitations in reflecting complex ecosystems.
• Statement Analysis:
  • (a) It does not take into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels: True, as pyramids assume fixed trophic levels, ignoring omnivores or species with dual roles. This is correct.
  • (b) It assumes a simple food chain, something that almost never existed in nature: True, as natural ecosystems are complex with interwoven food webs, not linear chains. This is correct.
  • (c) It accommodates saprophytes: False, as saprophytes (decomposers) are not typically included in energy pyramids, which focus on producers, consumers, and sometimes decomposers separately. This is incorrect.
  • (d) It does not accommodate a food web: True, as pyramids simplify ecosystems into single trophic levels, ignoring the complexity of food webs. This is correct.
• Option Analysis:
  • (1) c and d: Includes incorrect (c). This is incorrect.
  • (2) a, b and d: Includes all correct statements. This is correct.
  • (3) a and b: Omits correct (d). This is incorrect.
  • (4) b and c: Includes incorrect (c). This is incorrect.
• Conclusion: The correct answer is (2) a, b and d, as these statements accurately highlight the limitations of ecological pyramids.