Observe the diagram and answer the question.
Which is the correct statement with respect to ecological pyramids?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → A given organism may occupy more than one trophic level simultaneously
A given organism may occupy more than one trophic level simultaneously . This statement is correct because some organisms can feed at multiple trophic levels. For example, an omnivore like a sparrow may consume seeds (acting as a primary consumer) and insects (acting as a secondary consumer). Therefore, it occupies multiple trophic levels in the food chain.
The other statements are incorrect:
- "Pyramid of energy is always inverted" is incorrect because the pyramid of energy is always upright, reflecting the decrease in available energy at higher trophic levels.
- "The base of each pyramid is always broad" is incorrect, as some ecological pyramids, like the pyramid of biomass in aquatic ecosystems, can be inverted with a narrow base.
- "Each trophic level represents a specific species" is incorrect, as each trophic level includes multiple species that occupy similar positions in the food chain.