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🔬 Biology  ·  Ecosystem  ·  NEET

In a forest, the pyramid of numbers is inverted when a single large tree supports many herbivorous insects. This inversion happens because:

Answer: One producer supports a larger number of consumers.

  • A Trees have very little biomass
  • B One producer supports a larger number of consumers
  • C Energy increases up the chain
  • D Decomposers are mistakenly counted as producers here

Correct answer: B. One producer supports a larger number of consumers

Explanation: A single big tree (one producer) feeds many insects, so the number of individuals increases at the herbivore level, inverting the pyramid of numbers.

Energy Pyramid (10% Law)Carnivore~10 unitsHerbivore~100 unitsProducer~1000 unitsOnly about 10% of energy passes to the next trophic levelFood chain: Grass to Deer to Tiger

Energy pyramid showing a simple food chain (producer to herbivore to carnivore) with energy decreasing roughly tenfold at each trophic level.

Concept context

Ecosystems, food chains, energy flow, nutrient cycles, biodiversity, and conservation.

Read the full Ecosystem notes →