Question

Look at the model illustration of two different trophic level pyramids. Use this model illustration to answer the following questions. What is the question?

Answer 1

It is not possible to construct a pyramid where the biomass of carnivores is more than the biomass of herbivores. Energy consumption and loss at each trophic level contribute to the decrease in biomass as you move up the pyramid.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is not possible to construct a pyramid where the biomass of carnivores is more than the biomass of herbivores because biomass decreases as you move up the trophic levels. This is due to the fact that energy is lost at each trophic level through various processes such as respiration, heat loss, and waste production. In contrast, a numbers pyramid can be inverted, meaning there can be more carnivores than herbivores, as the number of organisms can increase or decrease at each level depending on the trophic relationships.

At each trophic level, energy is consumed by organisms for their own maintenance and growth. This energy is obtained by consuming organisms at lower trophic levels. However, not all of the energy consumed is converted into biomass. A significant amount of energy is lost as heat during metabolic processes, such as respiration, and is not transferred to the next trophic level. This loss of energy between trophic levels contributes to the decrease in biomass as you move up the trophic pyramid.