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(ii) The ecological pyramids may have an ‘upright’ or an ‘inverted’ shape. Justify with the help of suitable examples.
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The shape of ecological pyramids depends on the ecosystem's structure and energy or biomass flow.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Terrestrial ecosystems exhibit upright biomass pyramids, with a broad producer base (e.g., grassland plants) supporting a smaller number of herbivores and carnivores. In contrast, aquatic ecosystems display inverted pyramids. Here, producers like phytoplankton, though having less biomass, sustain a larger consumer biomass, such as fish. The higher productivity at the base characterizes upright pyramids, while rapid phytoplankton turnover leads to inverted ones. Both pyramid structures illustrate energy and biomass transfer, with variations dictated by ecosystem-specific dynamics.% Quick tip
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