Ecological Pyramids
There are three types of ecological pyramids: energy, biomass, and numbers. All three pyramids are based on trophic levels. The primary producers are at the bottom of the pyramid while the highest trophic level is at the top.
The Energy Pyramid shows how the amount of energy entering each trophic level varies. Usually, only about 10% of energy entering a level is transferred to the level above; so the higher in the pyramid, the less energy.
The Biomass Pyramid shows how the biomass of organisms varies across trophic levels. The shape of the biomass pyramid depends on the amount of energy entering each trophic level and the growth form of dominant plants in an ecosystem. If the energy is less in one trophic level, it could change the shape.
The Numbers Pyramid shows how the number of individuals in a trophic level varies in each trophic level. If the number of organisms in a trophic level is related to the amount of energy entering that level, then it should be shaped like a pyramid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJplkrliUEg
sources: http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/171523/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJplkrliUEg
The Energy Pyramid shows how the amount of energy entering each trophic level varies. Usually, only about 10% of energy entering a level is transferred to the level above; so the higher in the pyramid, the less energy.
The Biomass Pyramid shows how the biomass of organisms varies across trophic levels. The shape of the biomass pyramid depends on the amount of energy entering each trophic level and the growth form of dominant plants in an ecosystem. If the energy is less in one trophic level, it could change the shape.
The Numbers Pyramid shows how the number of individuals in a trophic level varies in each trophic level. If the number of organisms in a trophic level is related to the amount of energy entering that level, then it should be shaped like a pyramid.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJplkrliUEg
sources: http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/171523/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJplkrliUEg