Question

What would a pyramid of numbers look like if modeling the relationship between bird parasites, blue jays, and oak trees in a hectare? Does this match the energy flow pyramid?

a) The pyramid of numbers might depict more parasites than blue jays and oak trees combined; this doesn't match the energy flow pyramid
b) The pyramid of numbers would have a balanced number of parasites, blue jays, and oak trees; this matches the energy flow pyramid
c) The pyramid of numbers would show fewer parasites than blue jays and oak trees combined; this matches the energy flow pyramid
d) The pyramid of numbers is not relevant in this scenario

Answer 1

The pyramid of numbers in a relationship involving bird parasites, blue jays, and oak trees would likely show more parasites than blue jays and oak trees, not aligning with the always upright energy flow pyramid.

Step-by-step explanation:

When modeling the relationship between bird parasites, blue jays, and oak trees in a hectare, the pyramid of numbers would likely depict more bird parasites than blue jays, and the blue jays would be fewer than the oak trees. This is because in a typical forest ecosystem, a large tree like an oak can support many bird parasites, and there would be fewer blue jays as they are higher on the trophic level compared to their parasites. However, this does not match the energy flow pyramid, which is always upright, indicating that energy decreases with each ascending trophic level.

The correct answer to this question is: a) The pyramid of numbers might depict more parasites than blue jays and oak trees combined; this doesn't match the energy flow pyramid.