Conceptually, it stands to reason that there would be more producers than consum

Question

Conceptually, it stands to reason that there would be more producers than consumers, and this is sometimes illustrated in the ecological pyramid of numbers, in a true pyramidal or triangular shape, with the base (producers) wider than the apex (top consumer). (Such a pyramid of numbers can look like the pyramid of energy flow, page 49, Figure 3-11 in the 15th edition of the text, but instead of units of energy, what’s counted is individual organisms at each trophic level.) However, sometimes for some ecosystems the pyramid of numbers can show the base is smaller, with fewer producers than consumers. This is true for redwood forests or old growth forests in the Pacific northwest in summer and for mid- to upper latitude lakes in the winter. Explain how there can be fewer producers in redwood forests in summer and in mid- to upper latitude lakes in winter.

Explanation / Answer

Answer : It happens because in redwood forest the average rainfall is not so high.

Average rainfall = 71 inches

Which is sufficient for the rainy season but when summer comes, fog produced by the precipitation of rain is utilized for the vegetative growth which is not sufficient to increase amount of producers in the ecosystem.

Coniferous trees : do not lose their leaves, drop seeds in cone form

Consumers : wolves, lynx, deer, moose, bears etc.

Environmental issues : forest fires, logging, invasive insects.

Mid-upper latitude lakes in winter: The temprature drops even below zero which does not support most of the vegetation leading to the lack of producers and overcrowding of the consumers.

These lakes are completely frozen during winters.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse C
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.