Pyramid of numbers - ecological pyramids, Biology

Assignment Help:

Pyramid of Numbers - Ecological Pyramids

A graphic representation of the total number of individuals of different species belonging to each trophic level in an ecosystem is known as pyramid of numbers. It consists of a number of horizontal bars depicting specific trophic levels which are arranged sequentially from primary producer level through herbivore, carnivore onwards. The length of each bar represents the total number of individuals

2405_Pyramid of Numbers - Ecological Pyramids.png

Figure: An upright pyramid of numbers. The number of individuals indicated in the figure is hypothetical, and the organisms are not drawn to the same scale.

at each trophic level in an ecosystem. The number of individuals drastically decreases with each step towards higher trophic levels and the diagrammatic representation assumes a pyramidal shape and is called pyramid of numbers. In such pyramids, you would find that generally the higher trophic levels are occupied by relatively large-sized animals which are also less abundant. This is due to the fact that animals at higher trophic levels are larger than the animals which they capture from the lower trophic level. In case of tiger or lion, the size relationship does not hold good as cattle and other preys may be larger in size. This could be explained on the basis that these wild cats are powerful and eat their prey by cutting into manageable pieces.


Related Discussions:- Pyramid of numbers - ecological pyramids

What are the penetrance and the expressivity of a gene, What are the penetr...

What are the penetrance and the expressivity of a gene? The Individuals that carry a same genotype don't always manifest in an identical manner the correspondent phenotype. The

Posterior leaflet-technique of operation, Posterior Leaflet: In the poste...

Posterior Leaflet: In the posterior leaflet a quadrangular excision of the sector involved in the prolapse is done. This may be up to 15-20 per cent of the leaflet. The remaining

Aerotolerant anaerobes, Aerotolerant anaerobes are incapable of aerobic res...

Aerotolerant anaerobes are incapable of aerobic respiration, but can nevertheless grow in the presence of air. Many lactic acid bacteria fall into this category. They can only gene

Overturn - thermal stratification, Overturn - Thermal stratification T...

Overturn - Thermal stratification The summer or winter stratification is seasonal. Circulation of lake water occurs twice a year, in the spring and autumn (fall) seasons by a

Do echinoderms present internal or external fecundation, Do echinoderms pre...

Do echinoderms present internal or external fecundation? Is there sex division among individuals? The fecundation in echinoderms is external; gametes are liberated in water whe

Define the lens transparency in metabolism of lens, Define the lens transpa...

Define the lens transparency in metabolism of lens. Lens Transparency: a. Transparency depends on avoidance of large transitions of refractory index. This is in other wor

Viral diseases, How do measles and HIV virus affects the bodies organisms

How do measles and HIV virus affects the bodies organisms

Alkoloids, what do you mean by alkoloids how are they usedin daily life wha...

what do you mean by alkoloids how are they usedin daily life what are the different types of alkoloids?

How sugar is used in bakery application, How Sugar is used in Bakery Applic...

How Sugar is used in Bakery Application? In bakery applications, sugars are used to impart flavor, aroma and color. During the mixing process, excess gluten development can mak

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd