Question

Assertion (A): Some aquatic ecosystems have inverted biomass pyramids.
Reason (R): More energy is required by organisms occupying higher trophic levels.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
• D. A) is false, but (R) is true.

Hint:

In aquatic ecosystems, phytoplankton reproduce rapidly, sustaining higher consumer biomass despite low producer biomass.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In aquatic environments, inverted biomass pyramids are observed when primary consumers possess greater biomass than producers. This phenomenon is driven by energy transfer efficiency across trophic levels, which dictates biomass accumulation, rather than the energy demands of subsequent trophic levels. Consequently, the given reason, while factually correct, does not fully explain the assertion.