Numbers, Biomass, & Productivity Pyramids Numbers, Biomass, & Productivity

Pyramid of Numbers The information collected for each trophic level is the total number of organisms in the area. Problem is each organism is counted equally. 1000 kg tree = 1 gram grass plant Units = organisms

Pyramid of Biomass Takes the weight or mass of all organisms in the area Can have the same problem as pyramid of numbers Both are a measure in one instant of time Unit = grams

Pyramid of Productivity Designed to eliminate the inverted pyramid It measures energy per area per time. Unit = joules

Pass it on Trophic Levels and Biomagnification

Trophic Levels 10% of the matter consumed by an organism is passed on in the form of body weight 90% is lost as heat energy used to support body function

The same ratio occurs in toxin found in food sources Predators consume non-biodegradable toxins with their prey incorporating it into their own body.

But… Since the body does not know how to recognize the toxin, the amount of toxin in the body is magnified by 10%. This is biomagnification Example Producer (0.01%) Primary Consumer (0.1%) Secondary Consumer (1%) Tertiary Consumer (10%)

Biome Characterization and Distribution A large area of land or a group of ecosystems that have similar climatic conditions Considering temperature - Classified by latitude or distance form the equator Considering moisture – classified by distance from the ocean Can be modified by abiotic factors

Wind patterns If wind pattern in on-land, the shore climate id very wet

Ocean Currents Warm and cold currents can affect coastal temperature Ex – Europe under influence of a warm current

Mountain Ranges Can increase the amount of precipitation on the windward side and decrease it on the lee-ward side