Chapter 5: Problem 7

Relate the concept of the biomass pyramid to the fact that all heterotrophs depend on autotrophic production.

Short Answer

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The pyramid of biomass, which shows the total biomass at each trophic level, demonstrates the dependence of all heterotrophs on autotrophs. Autotrophs, being the producers, form the base of this pyramid and have the highest biomass. Heterotrophs, who are consumers and occupy subsequent levels, have less biomass showing that they depend on the energy and organic substances produced by autotrophs. The decreasing biomass as we move up the pyramid depicts the decreasing energy availability from the primary production of autotrophs to secondary or tertiary consumers.

Step by step solution

Understanding Biomass Pyramid

A biomass pyramid is a graphical representation of biomass (in kilograms per square meter) present in the ecosystem. The base of the pyramid is composed of producers, primarily autotrophs like plants and algae, which can convert inorganic substances into organic substances using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.

Understanding Autotrophs and Heterotrophs

Autotrophs, or producers, are organisms that can produce their own food from inorganic substances using energy from the sun or chemical reactions. On the other hand, heterotrophs are organisms that cannot produce their own food. They rely on the organic substances produced by autotrophs and other organisms for their energy and nutrition.

Relating Biomass Pyramid to Dependency of Heterotrophs on Autotrophs

Heterotrophs depend on autotrophs for their energy and nutritional needs. In the biomass pyramid, autotrophs form the base, indicating they hold the highest biomass. The subsequent levels, occupied by heterotrophs, have sequentially lesser biomass, indicating that the energy obtained from autotrophs decreases as we move up the pyramid. This shows how all heterotrophs are dependent on the primary production by autotrophs in the ecosystem.

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Relate the concept of the biomass pyramid to the fact that all heterotrophs depend on autotrophic production.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding Biomass Pyramid

Understanding Autotrophs and Heterotrophs

Relating Biomass Pyramid to Dependency of Heterotrophs on Autotrophs

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