Consider the following statements regarding ecological pyramids: 1. In most ecosystems, pyramids of number, biomass, and energy are upright. 2. A single tree ecosystem always exhibits an upright pyramid of numbers. 3. The energy content at a lower trophic level is always higher than at the succeeding higher trophic level. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 1 and 3 only. Explanation Ecological Pyramids are graphical representations of the trophic structure and function of an ecosystem, depicting the relationship between organisms at different trophic levels in terms of number, biomass, or energy. - Statement 1 is Correct: In most ecosystems, specifically terrestrial ones like grasslands, the pyramids of number, biomass, and energy are upright. This indicates that producers outnumber herbivores, and herbivores outnumber carnivores. Similarly, the biomass and energy content generally decrease from lower to higher trophic levels. While exceptions exist (such as inverted biomass in aquatic systems), the generalization for "most" ecosystems holds true. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: A single tree ecosystem is a classic example of an inverted pyramid of numbers. Here, a single large producer (the tree) supports a large number of primary consumers (insects, birds). Consequently, the base is narrow and the subsequent level is broad, preventing the pyramid from being upright. - Statement 3 is Correct: The pyramid of energy is always upright. According to the Second Law of Thermodynamics and the 10% Law of energy transfer, energy is lost as heat at each step of the food chain. Therefore, the energy content at a lower trophic level is invariably higher than that at the succeeding higher trophic level. Key Takeaway: While pyramids of number and biomass can be inverted depending on the ecosystem (e.g., aquatic biomass, parasitic food chains), the pyramid of energy is always upright due to the unidirectional flow and loss of energy.

NCERT Class 12 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 2: Ecosystem

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Consider the following statements regarding ecological pyramids:

In most ecosystems, pyramids of number, biomass, and energy are upright.
A single tree ecosystem always exhibits an upright pyramid of numbers.
The energy content at a lower trophic level is always higher than at the succeeding higher trophic level.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A2 only
B1 and 2 only
C1, 2 and 3
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Ecological Pyramids are graphical representations of the trophic structure and function of an ecosystem, depicting the relationship between organisms at different trophic levels in terms of number, biomass, or energy.

Statement 1 is Correct: In most ecosystems, specifically terrestrial ones like grasslands, the pyramids of number, biomass, and energy are upright. This indicates that producers outnumber herbivores, and herbivores outnumber carnivores. Similarly, the biomass and energy content generally decrease from lower to higher trophic levels. While exceptions exist (such as inverted biomass in aquatic systems), the generalization for "most" ecosystems holds true.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: A single tree ecosystem is a classic example of an inverted pyramid of numbers. Here, a single large producer (the tree) supports a large number of primary consumers (insects, birds). Consequently, the base is narrow and the subsequent level is broad, preventing the pyramid from being upright.
Statement 3 is Correct: The pyramid of energy is always upright. According to the Second Law of Thermodynamics and the 10% Law of energy transfer, energy is lost as heat at each step of the food chain. Therefore, the energy content at a lower trophic level is invariably higher than that at the succeeding higher trophic level.

Key Takeaway: While pyramids of number and biomass can be inverted depending on the ecosystem (e.g., aquatic biomass, parasitic food chains), the pyramid of energy is always upright due to the unidirectional flow and loss of energy.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Ecosystem

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In a marine ecosystem, an inverted pyramid of biomass is typically observed because:

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In a pond ecosystem, decomposers are most abundantly found in which of the following zones?

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Which of the following terms correctly describes the nature of energy flow in an ecosystem?

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Why is the measurement of biomass in terms of dry weight preferred over fresh weight?

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Solution

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Correct: In most ecosystems, specifically terrestrial ones like grasslands, the pyramids of number, biomass, and energy are upright. This indicates that producers outnumber herbivores, and herbivores outnumber carnivores. Similarly, the biomass and energy content generally decrease from lower to higher trophic levels. While exceptions exist (such as inverted biomass in aquatic systems), the generalization for "most" ecosystems holds true.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: A single tree ecosystem is a classic example of an inverted pyramid of numbers. Here, a single large producer (the tree) supports a large number of primary consumers (insects, birds). Consequently, the base is narrow and the subsequent level is broad, preventing the pyramid from being upright.
Statement 3 is Correct: The pyramid of energy is always upright. According to the Second Law of Thermodynamics and the 10% Law of energy transfer, energy is lost as heat at each step of the food chain. Therefore, the energy content at a lower trophic level is invariably higher than that at the succeeding higher trophic level.