Question

Which one of the following is not a limitation of ecological pyramids?

• A. Saprophytes are not given any place in ecological pyramids even though they play a vital role in the ecosystem
• B. It accommodates a food web
• C. It assumes a simple food chain
• D. All are limitations of ecological pyramids

Answer 1

The correct option is B

It accommodates a food web

The correct option is B.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Each bar of the pyramid symbolizes a distinct trophic level, which is determined by who eats whom and depicts energy flow.
2. The autotrophs or primary producers, such as plants and algae, are at the bottom of the pyramid, followed by primary consumers who feed on these primary producers, then secondary consumers who feed on primary consumers, and so on.
3. The height of the bars should be uniform, but the breadth of each bar is determined by the number of species or creatures present.
4. An ecological pyramid depicts not just the eating habits of creatures in various habitats, but also how energy is transported and the impact of changes in numbers at one trophic level on other trophic levels.
5. The pyramids have certain limitations:

1. In the case of a food web, numerous species may occupy many trophic levels.
2. Pyramids do not take into account the potential of the same species existing at various levels.
3. Saprophytes are not taken into account in any of the pyramids.

Explanation of the Incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Even though saprophytes are a significant feature of many ecosystems, they are not included in any of the pyramids.
2. These pyramids are only useful for basic food chains that don't occur in nature.
3. These pyramids don't provide any information about seasonal and climatic changes.

Option C:

Ecological pyramids assuming a simple food chain is a limitation.

Final Answer: “It accommodates a food web” is not a limitation of ecological pyramids.