Pyramids of Biomass Flashcards

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What does biomass mean in biology?

The mass of living material in organisms. We usually use dry mass.

What is a pyramid of biomass?

A chart that shows the relative biomass at each trophic level in a food chain.

Which trophic level is at the base of a pyramid of biomass?

Producers, such as plants and algae.

What does the width of each bar in a pyramid of biomass show?

The amount of biomass at that trophic level.

What units are used for biomass in these pyramids?

Grams per square metre (g/m^2), or grams per cubic metre (g/m^3) in water.

Why do we use dry mass rather than wet mass for biomass?

Water content varies, so dry mass is more reliable.

Why do the bars get narrower at higher trophic levels?

Biomass is lost between levels because not all food is eaten or absorbed, and some is used in respiration.

About what percentage of biomass is passed to the next trophic level?

About 10%.

If producers have 1000 g/m^2 and primary consumers have 100 g/m^2, what is the percentage transfer?

10% (100 out of 1000).

How do you draw a pyramid of biomass from data?

Put producers at the bottom. Choose a scale. Draw each bar to scale for its biomass. Label each level.

How is a pyramid of biomass different from a pyramid of numbers?

It shows mass of living material, not just how many organisms. It is usually a true pyramid shape.

Are decomposers shown as a bar in a pyramid of biomass?

No. The bars show producers and consumers. Decomposers act on waste and dead matter at all levels.