Pyramid diagrams of energy and biomass distribution for forests and grasslands differ because
A) forests are more productive than grasslands.
B) forests are less productive than grasslands.
C) large mammals avoid living in forests.
D) trees store much of their energy in difficult-to-digest wood, whereas grassland plants produce few difficult-to-digest tissues.
E) grasses grow faster than trees.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Trees store a significant portion of their energy in lignin, which is difficult for herbivores to digest. Grassland plants, on the other hand, produce fewer of these difficult-to-digest tissues. This leads to a greater proportion of the energy being available to support grazing animals and a difference in the energy and biomass distribution pyramid between forests and grasslands.

Pyramid Diagrams of Energy and Biomass Distribution for Forests and Grasslands