Question

select the correct answer.
leonardo is explaining the ecological pyramids to his daughter. he tells her that often scientists do not favor pyramid of biomass. why would he say that?
a. because the available biomass may be less than the actual energy provided
b. because calculating biomass involves counting of the organisms, which can be erroneous
c. because obtaining biomass requires advanced technology
d. because biomass shows that the energy remains constant across all trophic levels

Explanation:

• Option A: Biomass is the total mass of organisms in a given area. Energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient. The available biomass (which is related to stored energy in organisms) may be less than the actual energy provided (as energy is lost as heat, used in metabolism etc.). This makes the pyramid of biomass less accurate in representing the true energy flow compared to other pyramids (like pyramid of energy).
• Option B: Counting organisms is related to the pyramid of numbers, not biomass. Biomass is about mass, not count.
• Option C: Obtaining biomass does not necessarily require extremely advanced technology. Simple weighing (after proper sample collection and drying in case of wet - mass) can be used for many organisms.
• Option D: Energy does not remain constant across trophic levels. Energy is lost at each trophic level (about 90% loss as per the 10% rule).

Answer:

A. because the available biomass may be less than the actual energy provided