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Chapter 46: Q. 34 (page 1369)

Describe what a pyramid of numbers would like if an

ecologist models the relationship between bird

parasites, blue jays, and oak trees in a hectare. Does this

match the energy flow pyramid?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The pyramid of number in parasitic food chain is inverted so it appears opposite the pyramid of energy.

Step by step solution

01

Step 1. Given explanation

"Ecological pyramid" is a graphical representation of relationship between of living organisms at different trophic level in an ecosystem. It is also known as a trophic and ecological pyramid.

02

Step 2. Explanation

In the mentioned ecological model,

(i.) position of producers (oak trees) is at bottom.

(ii.)position of primary consumers (blue jays) is at middle.

(iii.) position of parasites (secondary producers) is on top level.

So on this basis, it is clear that pyramid of number is inverted in parasitic food chain and it appears totally opposite to pyramid of energy.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the following statements about the nitrogen cycle is false?

a. Ammonification converts organic nitrogenous matter from living organisms into ammonium (NH4 + ).

b. Denitrification by bacteria converts nitrates (NO3 − ) to nitrogen gas (N2 ).

c. Nitrification by bacteria converts nitrates (NO3 − ) to nitrites (NO2 − ).

d. Nitrogen fixing bacteria convert nitrogen gas (N2 ) into organic compounds.

How would loss of fungi in a forest effect biogeochemical cycles in the area? a. Nitrogen could no longer be fixed into organic molecules.

b. Phosphorus stores would be released for use by other organisms.

c. Sulfur release from eroding rocks would cease.

d. Carbon would accumulate in dead organic matter and waste.

Compare the three types of ecological pyramids and how

well they describe ecosystem structure. Identify which

ones can be inverted and give an example of an inverted

pyramid for each

Which of the following approaches would be the most effective way to reduce greenhouse carbon dioxide?

a. Increase waste deposition into the deep ocean.

b. Plant more environmentally-suitable plants.

c. Increase use of fuel sources that do not produce carbon dioxide as a by-product.

d. Decrease livestock agriculture

The weight of living organisms in an ecosystem at a particular point in time is called: a. energy b. production c. entropy d. biomass
See all solutions

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