Inverted Pyramid

The Pyramid of Numbers

Illustration II

The pyramid of energy

You are well aware that it is possible to present diagramatically the interrelationships between the different trophic levels in a food chain. Observe the Illustration II showing the quantity of energy utilized by the living organisms in each trophic level for the construction of their tissues.

The above demonstration II looks like a pyramid and is thus said to be the pyramid of energy.

Now you are well aware of the fact that there is a reduction in the number of organisms when entering one trophic level to the other. The schematic representation based on the number of organisms at each trophic level is then called the pyramid of numbers. The lower part of the pyramid is represented by the green plants in the food chain and its upper part is represented by the higher levels of carnivores.

Demonstrate and examine the different trophic levels of a food chain based on their numbers. Examine whether the representation is in the form of a pyramid.

Now you know what a pyramid number is.

Consider a tall mango tree with ripe fruits as an ecosystem. On it there are several birds and mammals, which are consuming fully ripe fruits. These animals in turn bear several parasites like ticks and mites etc on their body. Now try to count the number of these individuals. There is only one producer. How many herbivores? What about the number of ticks and mites? Can you count their actual number? Then what will be the nature of the pyramid? No doubt, it is an inverted pyramid. Try to find out more examples of this kind of inverted pyramids.

Дата добавления: 2014-12-29