Question

Compare the three types of ecological pyramids and how well they describe ecosystem structure. Identify which ones can be inverted and give an example of an inverted pyramid for each.

a) Pyramid of energy, biomass, and numbers; all can be inverted
b) Pyramid of energy, biomass, and numbers; only biomass can be inverted
c) Pyramid of numbers, energy, and biomass; all can be inverted
d) Pyramid of numbers, energy, and biomass; only numbers can be inverted

Answer 1

The three types of ecosystem pyramids are pyramids of energy, number, and biomass. Pyramids of numbers and biomass can be inverted in certain ecosystems.

Step-by-step explanation:

The three types of ecosystem pyramids are pyramids of energy, number, and biomass. Pyramids of numbers and biomass can be inverted, while pyramids of energy are always upright. For example, a pyramid of numbers can be inverted in a grassland ecosystem during the summer when there are more herbivores than producers. And a pyramid of biomass can be inverted in the English Channel where phytoplankton, the primary producers, have a lower biomass compared to zooplankton, the primary consumers.