Question

Which of the following is not true for a pyramid of productivity?

• A. Only about 10% of the energy in one trophic level is passed into the next level.
• B. Because of the loss of energy at each trophic level, most food chains are limited to three to five steps.
• C. The pyramid of productivity of some aquatic ecosystems is inverted because of the large zooplankton primary - consumer level.
• D. Eating grain-fed beef is an inefficient means of obtaining the energy trapped by photosynthesis.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

In aquatic ecosystem such as pond, the producers (macrophytes, phytoplankton) are small organisms. Their biomass is least, and this value gradually shows an increase towards the apex of the pyramid, thus making the pyramid inverted in shape