5.2.1.4.1.2. Aquatic Ecosystems

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the pyramid of number represent?

   Hint

   Think about whether it shows individuals, biomass, or energy.

2. 2.

   Can the pyramid of energy ever be inverted?

   Hint

   Consider the flow of energy in ecosystems.

3. 3.

   What does the pyramid of number illustrate in an ecosystem?

   • Total biomass
   • Number of organisms
   • Energy flow

   Hint

   It’s related to how many of each type of organism exists.

4. 4.

   True or False: The pyramid of biomass can sometimes be inverted in aquatic ecosystems.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about producer types and their weights.

5. 5.

   Given an ecosystem where the producers are numerous but consist of small, lightweight algae, while the secondary consumers are much larger species like tuna, analyze the implications for the pyramid of biomass and energy.

   Hint

   Consider how weight versus number affects visibility in pyramids.

6. 6.

   If an artificial pond created by humans has an overabundance of nutrients leading to high phytoplankton growth, discuss how this impacts the pyramids of number, biomass, and energy.

   Hint

   What happens when too many producers exist without balance?