Question

Which of the following ecological food chain does not represent an erect pyramid of numbers?

• A. Grass - Rodent - Snake
• B. Insect - Chicken - Human
• C. Tree - Bird - parasite
• D. Grass - Deer - Tiger

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Tree - Bird - parasite

Pyramid of numbers is the pyramid that represents the total number of individuals in a population at a different trophic level. Depending upon the number, the pyramid of numbers may not upright or inverted. In upright or erect pyramid of numbers, the number of individuals is decreased from lower level to higher trophic level. It is seen in grassland ecosystem. Ecological food chain of grass (producer) - grasshopper/deer (herbivores) - rodent/tiger (primary carnivores) - snake (secondary carnivores) is an example of erect pyramid of numbers. An insect (primary consumer) - chicken (secondary consumer) - human (tertiary consumer) is another example of erect pyramid of numbers. In inverted pyramid of numbers, the number of individuals is increases from lower level to higher trophic level. It is seen in tree ecosystem. Ecological food chain of tree (producer)- bird (herbivores) - parasites is an example of inverted pyramid of numbers.

Thus, the correct answer is 'Tree - Bird - parasite.'