Question

Which of the following ecological pyramids is always upright?

• A. Pyramid of energy
• B. Pyramid of number
• C. Pyramid of biomass
• D. none of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Pyramid of energy

An energy pyramid is a graphical model of energy flow in an ecosystem. Each bar in the pyramid represents the amount of energy at that trophic level and only 10 percent of energy is transferred from trophic level to another. So, as we move up the trophic levels there is a gradual decrease in energy. Producers form the base of the pyramid and have maximum energy. The energy decreases successively as we move up the trophic levels. The apex of the pyramid has the least amount of energy. Since there is always a loss of energy as we move from producers to consumers or as we move up the trophic levels, the pyramid of energy is always upright.