An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the relationship between different organisms in an ecosystem based on energy, biomass, or number.

Types of Ecological Pyramids:

1. Pyramid of Numbers

• Shows the number of organisms at each trophic level.
• Usually upright (many producers, fewer top consumers), but can be inverted (e.g., one tree supports many herbivores) or irregular as well.

2. Pyramid of Biomass

• Represents the total dry mass of organisms at each trophic level.
• Typically upright but may be inverted in aquatic ecosystems.

3. Pyramid of Energy

• Shows the flow of energy from one trophic level to the next.
• Always upright because energy decreases at each level (only ~10% passed on).

Key Points:

• Producers (plants/algae) form the base of all pyramids.
• Energy transfer is inefficient; most energy is lost as heat.
• Pyramids help in understanding ecosystem structure and health.

Written by Kasiban Parthipan