Question

Which of the following options shows a likely food chain represented by given pyramid of number?

• A. Phytoplankton $\to$ zooplankton $\to$ shellfish $\to$ fish $\to$ shark
• B. Maize $\to$ rat $\to$ snake $\to$ meerkat $\to$ lion
• C. Tree $\to$ aphid $\to$ ladybug $\to$ bird $\to$ hawk
• D. Cyanobacteria $\to$ shrimp $\to$ fish $\to$ kingfisher $\to$ snake

Answer 1

The correct option is C Tree $\to$ aphid $\to$ ladybug $\to$ bird $\to$ hawk

Pyramid of number can be inverted in a tree ecosystem because a single tree is occupying the primary trophic level, followed by insects as primary and secondary consumers, birds as tertiary consumer and hawk being the top consumer. The primary consumers will be large in number. So, the pyramid appears inverted.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Tree $\to$ aphid $\to$ ladybug $\to$ bird $\to$ hawk'