1. Numbers, Biomass, & Productivity
Pyramids
Numbers, Biomass, & Productivity

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. Pass it on
Trophic Levels and Biomagnification

6. 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

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

8. 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%)

9. 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

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

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

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