Question

In aquatic systems, why is the pyramid of energy the opposite shape compared to the pyramid of biomass?

a. Producers in aquatic systems are rare and asexual.
b. There is not very much energy in aquatic systems.
c. There are far fewer producers, and they are large and reproduce slowly.
d. The producers are microscopic and reproduce quickly.

Answer 1

The pyramid of energy is always upright because less energy is available at each trophic level, but the pyramid of biomass in aquatic systems may be inverted due to the rapid consumption and turnover of primary producers like phytoplankton.

Step-by-step explanation:

In aquatic systems, the pyramid of energy exhibits a different shape than the pyramid of biomass because of the unique characteristics of the primary producers. While the energy pyramid is always upright, indicating that less energy is available at each successive trophic level, biomass pyramids can be inverted.

This inversion occurs due to the high turnover rate of producers like phytoplankton, which are microscopic and reproduce quickly. They are consumed rapidly by zooplankton, the primary consumers, thereby their biomass at any given moment is relatively low, despite their high production and rapid reproduction.