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With suitable examples briefly explain the trophic levels in an ecosystem and the flow of energy through them.
Introduction:
Trophic levels in an ecosystem refers to the representation of energy flow in an ecosystem. Organisms occupy different levels in a food chain. It is based on the nutritional requirements. The energy flow is unidirectional.
Body:
The trophic level interaction:
1) Food chain– Transfer of food energy from plants to other organisms present in the ecosystem.
Ex: Grass—–> Grasshopper——–> Frog——> Snake——> Hawk
Each step is known as trophic level.
2) Food web– Multiple chains involve and form a food web. It shows possible pathways for energy flow
Removal of intermediate food chains results in imbalance in the nature.
Ex:
3) Energy Pyramid– The pyramidal representation of the trophic levels and the organisms in it are called as energy pyramid. There are 3 types of energy pyramid.
a) Pyramid of number- Based on Total number of individuals present. It can be inverted or upstraight.
b) Pyramid of biomass- Based on Dry weight of the organisms. It can be inverted or upstraight.
c) Pyramid of energy- Based on total amount of energy. It is always upright.
Conclusion:
