Which one of the following ecosystem is an always upright pyramid ?

The correct answer is Pyramid of energy.

Key Points

• The energy pyramid represents the flow of energy through a food chain or food web, and it is always upright.
• This upright nature is due to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that energy is lost as heat at each trophic level.
• In an energy pyramid, energy decreases from the base to the top, with producers at the base having the most energy.
• The upright pyramid of energy is applicable to all ecosystems, whether terrestrial or aquatic.

Additional Information

• Pyramid of Biomass
  • Represents the total mass of living material at each trophic level.
  • Can be upright or inverted depending on the ecosystem.
  • For example, in terrestrial ecosystems, it is usually upright, while in aquatic ecosystems, it can be inverted.
• Pyramid of Numbers
  • Shows the number of organisms at each trophic level.
  • Can be upright, inverted, or spindle-shaped.
  • Depends on the size and reproductive rate of organisms.
• Trophic Levels
  • Different levels in a food chain or web, representing the flow of energy.
  • Includes primary producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers.
  • Energy decreases as it moves up trophic levels due to energy loss as heat.
• Second Law of Thermodynamics
  • States that energy transfer results in energy loss, usually as heat.
  • This principle explains why the energy pyramid is always upright.
  • Ensures that no ecosystem can sustain an inverted pyramid of energy.