PYRAMID OF NUMBERS
The pyramid of numbers represents the number of organisms in each trophic level.
Upright, partly upright and inverted are the three types of pyramids of numbers. An aquatic ecosystem is an example of an upright pyramid where the number of organisms becomes fewer and fewer higher up in the pyramid.
A forest ecosystem is an example of a partially upright pyramid, as fewer producers support more primary consumers, but there are less secondary and tertiary consumers.
An inverted pyramid of numbers is one where the number of organisms depending on the lower levels grows closer toward the apex. e.g. a parasitic food chain.
PYRAMID ENERGY
The pyramid of energy represents the total amount of energy consumed by each trophic level. An energy pyramid is always upright as the total amount of energy available for utilization in the layer above is less than the energy available in the lower levels. This happens because during energy transfer from lower to higher levels, some energy is always lost. Energy is also lost at every level in the form of heat, respiration etc.
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