Ecological Pyramids
* school science1. There are 3 types of ecological pyramids
| Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pyramid of Numbers | Displays the number of indivduas in a populatin at a Trophic Levels |
| Pyramid of Biomass | Shows the total Biomass of indivuals in a population at a Trophic Level |
| Pyramid of Energy | Shows the transfer of energy between trophic levels |
2. Energy Pyramids
- Each level is smaller than the previous (Energy Loss Between Trophic levels)
- Energy is measured in joules or calories
- Only 10% Of energy is passed on (The 10% rule)
3. Purpose of Ecological Pyramids
- Visualize ecosystem structure: Show the relationships between producers, consumers, and decomposers.
- Compare numbers, biomass, or energy: Quickly see which levels dominate or are limited.
- Understand energy flow: Highlight how energy decreases at higher trophic levels.
- Predict population limits: Explain why there are usually fewer top predators than herbivores or producers.
- Identify ecosystem health: Inverted pyramids or unusual shapes can indicate problems (e.g., overharvesting, pollution).
Key Idea: Ecological pyramids summarize the flow of energy, matter, and population structure in an ecosystem in a simple, visual way.
4. Elsewhere
4.1. References
4.2. In my garden
Notes that link to this note (AKA backlinks).