Refer to the figure. What ecosystem do these diagrams represent, and why is the biomass pyramid inverted (with a smaller biomass of primary producers than of primary consumers)?
A) Open ocean; phytoplankton reproduce very rapidly and support many primary consumers.
B) Open ocean; individual phytoplankton contain much more energy than other producers.
C) Forest; most primary production is tied up in trees and is not counted as biomass.
D) Forest; energy flow in forests is more important than biomass.
E) Grassland; the turnover of grasses is very rapid, so they support many primary consumers.

Question

Refer to the figure.  What ecosystem do these diagrams represent, and why is the biomass pyramid inverted (with a smaller biomass of primary producers than of primary consumers)?
A) Open ocean; phytoplankton reproduce very rapidly and support many primary consumers. 
B) Open ocean; individual phytoplankton contain much more energy than other producers. 
C) Forest; most primary production is tied up in trees and is not counted as biomass. 
D) Forest; energy flow in forests is more important than biomass. 
E) Grassland; the turnover of grasses is very rapid, so they support many primary consumers.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer of Refer to the figure.  What ecosystem do these diagrams represent, and why is the biomass pyramid inverted (with a smaller biomass of primary producers than of primary consumers)?
A) Open ocean; phytoplankton reproduce very rapidly and support many primary consumers. 
B) Open ocean; individual phytoplankton contain much more energy than other producers. 
C) Forest; most primary production is tied up in trees and is not counted as biomass. 
D) Forest; energy flow in forests is more important than biomass. 
E) Grassland; the turnover of grasses is very rapid, so they support many primary consumers.

Refer to the Figure