Question

If the total biomass of a producer in an ecosystem is 1000 tons, what would the projected biomass be for any primary consumers feeding upon this organism?

10 tons

100 tons

50 tons

or

1 ton

Answer 1

Answer-

The projected biomass for any primary consumers feeding upon these producer (biomass 1000 tons) will be 100 tons.

The biomass of the members of the food chain present at any one time forms the pyramid of biomass. Pyramid of biomass indicates decrease of biomass in each trophical level from base to apex. For example, the total biomass of the producers ingested by primary consumers is more than the total biomass of that primary consumers. Likewise, the total biomass of the secondary consumers will be less than that of primary consumers.

Out of the total energy content, 90% of the total energy will be used in metabolism and remaining 10% will be saved in that trophic level as biomass. So, if 1000 tons of biomass is available for primary consumers, they will use 90% of it in metabolic work and remaining 10% (=100 tons) will be stored in that particular trophic level.