Ecological Pyramids

Ecological pyramids are visual tools used to represent the relationship between organisms in an ecosystem. They consist of bars stacked to show the number of organisms or biomass at each trophic level. The base represents primary producers, followed by various consumer levels. Energy is transferred up the pyramid as organisms are consumed. Pyramids of numbers display the count of organisms, while pyramids of biomass show the total mass. These diagrams help illustrate the flow of energy and the structure of food chains and webs.

What is the primary purpose of ecological pyramids?

• To calculate the speed of animal movement

• To measure the height of trees in a forest

• To show the relationship and energy flow between organisms

• To display the number of species in an ecosystem

In a pyramid of numbers, what does the width of each bar represent?

• The number of organisms at each trophic level

• The speed of organism growth

• The energy consumed by organisms

• The height of the organisms

Which of the following ecosystems is used as an example in the pyramid of numbers?

• Desert with cacti and lizards

• Grassland with grass, rabbits, foxes, and eagles

• Ocean with fish and sharks

• Forest with trees and birds

How does a pyramid of biomass differ from a pyramid of numbers?

• It shows the number of organisms instead of their mass

• It represents the total mass of organisms at each level

• It measures the speed of energy transfer

• It calculates the height of each organism

Why might a pyramid of biomass have a wider base compared to a pyramid of numbers?

• Because it accounts for the total mass, not just the number of organisms

• Because it measures the speed of organism growth

• Because it shows the energy consumed by each organism

• Because it includes the height of organisms