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Multiple Choice
Which statement about the ecological pyramid is incorrect?
A
Biomass is typically greater at the base of the pyramid.
B
Energy decreases as you move up the pyramid.
C
Producers form the base of the ecological pyramid.
D
The number of organisms increases as you move up the pyramid.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of an ecological pyramid: An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the relationship between different trophic levels in an ecosystem. It can represent biomass, energy, or numbers of organisms.
Review the structure of an ecological pyramid: Typically, the base of the pyramid consists of producers (such as plants), which have the greatest biomass and energy. As you move up the pyramid to consumers (herbivores, carnivores), both biomass and energy decrease.
Analyze the statement about biomass: Biomass is typically greater at the base of the pyramid because producers convert solar energy into organic material, forming the foundation of the ecosystem's energy flow.
Consider the statement about energy: Energy decreases as you move up the pyramid due to energy loss at each trophic level, primarily as heat, following the second law of thermodynamics.
Evaluate the statement about the number of organisms: The number of organisms generally decreases as you move up the pyramid because energy and biomass decrease, supporting fewer organisms at higher trophic levels. Therefore, the statement that the number of organisms increases as you move up the pyramid is incorrect.