Question

In a grassland ecosystem, if the number of primary producers is approximately 6 million plants, the number of top carnivore, which may be supported by it may be....................thousand.

• A. 3
• B. 30
• C. 6
• D. 60

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

60

Ecological pyramids begin with producers on the bottom (such as plants) and proceed through the various trophic levels that contain consumers.

In grassland, the producers which are mainly grasses are always maximum in number. This number then shows a decrease towards the apex, as the primary consumers (herbivores) like rabbits, mice etc. are lesser in number than the grasses; the secondary consumers, snakes, and lizards are lesser in number than the rabbits and mice. Finally, the top (tertiary) consumers hawks or other birds are least in number.

So, the correct answer is option D.