Why is the pyramid of biomass generally inverted in the sea?

Biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton.

The correct answer is Option (1) -Biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton.

The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton.

The pyramid of biomass in the sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton. Unlike the pattern observed in terrestrial ecosystems, where the biomass of producers (plants) is typically higher than that of herbivores (primary consumers), the situation is reversed in marine ecosystems.

In the ocean, phytoplankton, which are tiny photosynthetic organisms, serve as primary producers. They form the basis of the marine food chain by converting sunlight and nutrients into organic matter. However, due to their small size and rapid turnover rate, the biomass of individual phytoplankton cells is relatively low.

On the other hand, fishes, as higher-level consumers, have a larger biomass due to their longer lifespan and accumulation of biomass from consuming other organisms in the food chain. Fishes are secondary or tertiary consumers that feed on smaller organisms, including herbivorous zooplankton and smaller fish.

The inverted pyramid of biomass in the sea reflects the fact that the combined biomass of fishes (higher trophic levels) is greater than the biomass of phytoplankton (lower trophic level). This occurs because energy is transferred less efficiently through each trophic level, resulting in a higher biomass at the top of the food chain.

The inverted pyramid of biomass in the sea highlights the importance of efficient energy transfer and the concentration of biomass at higher trophic levels, where larger and longer-lived organisms tend to accumulate.