Question

What are ecological pyramids? What precautions should be kept in mind in calculating its different aspects? Draw the diagrams of pyramids of grassland ecosystem and energy flow ecosystem.

Answer 1

An ecological pyramid is the graphic representation of an ecological parameter (number, biomass or energy). The rate of energy flow in an ecosystem will be considered in drawing the pyramid of energy, the dry weight will be considered in drawing the pyramid of biomass and number of individuals is considered for drawing the pyramid of a number.

Precautions should be kept in mind while calculating its different aspect:

Any calculations of energy, biomass, or numbers should include all organisms at each trophic level. Also, a given organism may occupy more than one trophic level simultaneously. Thus, one should know that the trophic level represents a functional level. For example, a sparrow is a primary consumer when it eats seeds, fruits and a secondary consumer when it eats insects and worms.