Question

Choose the correct statement with reference to an aquatic ecosystem.

• A. Pyramid of energy is inverted, pyramid of biomass is upright
• B. Pyramid of biomass is inverted, pyramid of energy is upright
• C. Both pyramid of energy and biomass are upright
• D. Both pyramid of energy and biomass are inverted

Answer 1

The correct option is B Pyramid of biomass is inverted, pyramid of energy is upright

Plankton are small organisms with a very small biomass but the total energy they assimilate and pass on can be considerably greater than organisms with much larger biomass. Very less energy is required by the plankton for their own maintenance in comparison to the large fishes higher up in the trophic level. Also there is a gradual loss of energy at each trophic level, according to Lindeman's 10 percent law. So, the pyramid of energy is upright but the pyramid of biomass is inverted in an aquatic ecosystem because phytoplankton although at the lowest trophic level, have the least biomass andthe predator fishes like the sharks and whales having maximum biomass.