Ecological Pyramids
A key to understanding the structure and function of
ecosystems
Intended
Learning Outcomes
At
the end of this session, students will be able to
• Explain ecological pyramids
• Classify ecological pyramids
• Explain consequences of ecological
pyramids and ecosystem function
• Explain Bio-magnification
Content
• Ecological Pyramids
• Types of ecological pyramids
• Advantage and disadvantages of ecological
pyramids
• Bio-magnification
What are
Ecological Pyramids?
• Ecological pyramids are graphical
representations of the trophic structure of ecosystems.
• Trophic levels are the feeding position
in a food chain such as primary producers, herbivore, primary carnivore, etc.
Types of
ecological pyramid
Three types of ecological pyramids can
usually be distinguished namely:
1. Pyramid of numbers
2. Pyramid of biomass
3. Pyramid of productivity
Pyramid of
numbers
• Is the graphic representation of number
of individuals per unit area of various trophic levels
• Large numbers of producers tend to form
the base
• Lower numbers of top carnivores occupy
the tip