Understanding Ecological Pyramids: Models of Trophic Relationships

Ecological pyramids are graphical models that depict quantitative differences between trophic levels in an ecosystem. They come in three types: Pyramids of Numbers, Pyramids of Biomass, and Pyramids of Productivity/Energy. Pyramids of Numbers show the number of organisms at each trophic level, Pyramids of Biomass represent the amount of dried tissue at each level, and Pyramids of Productivity/Energy demonstrate the loss of energy as it moves up trophic levels. These pyramids provide valuable insights into ecosystem dynamics and energy flow.

• Ecological Pyramids
• Trophic Relationships
• Ecosystem Dynamics
• Energy Flow
• Biomass Levels

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1. Ecological Pyramids Definition: graphical models representing the quantitative differences that exist between Trophic levels Pyramids of numbers Pyramids of biomass Pyramids of Productivity/Energy

2. Pyramids of Numbers 3rdlevel consumer Basic pyramid represents the number of organisms at each trophic level. Can display different patterns depending on the type of ecosystem represented. Large lower level organisms = smaller numbers at that level. No equation given 500 2ndlevel consumers 10,000 1stlevel consumers 50,000 Producers 100,00 individuals 1 Owl 100 bugs, squirrels, birds 1 Tree

3. Pyramids of Biomass Represents the amount of dried tissue at each trophic level. Quantities of biomass and energy decrease along the food chain(hence: pyramid shape) Equation: gms/meters or Joules/meters (energy)

4. Pyramids of Productivity/Energy Equation: (B - B )/ Time (t) = NP Normal pyramid shows the loss of energy in comparison with the movement up the Trophic levels. Each step will be 10% the size of the previous step The exception to the normal pyramid is when portions of a food web are supported by inputs of resources from outside of the local community. Ex: global warming = increase in solar energy Ex: addition/subtraction of non- native species to an environment.