IB Biology SL C4.2.11 Energy Pyramids Questions

Energy pyramids show energy flow per unit area per unit time. Each bar represents the energy available at one trophic level. Use the bars to compare levels and evaluate what this model does and does not show.

Exam points

Describe an energy pyramid as energy flow per unit area per unit time, with each bar showing energy available at one trophic level.
Construct or interpret stepped energy-pyramid bars from data, label trophic levels in order and compare the energy available at each level.
Discuss limitations of energy pyramids, including seasonal variation, difficulty assigning species to one trophic level and energy transfers to decomposers.

[Maximum number: 3]

The following table shows the approximate production of organisms living in a salt marsh in the USA.

Table for Question IB Biology SL C4.2.11 Energy Pyramids Questions question 1 — IB Biology SL

Construct a pyramid of energy showing the trophic levels for this salt marsh.

Figure for Answer to Question IB Biology SL C4.2.11 Energy Pyramids Questions question 1 — IB Biology SL

Correct shape of pyramid with base larger than primary consumer and secondary consumer smaller than the rest.
Pyramid proportions very close to 80:10:1 / correctly labelled values with units: 24000, 3000 and $300\ \mathrm{kJm}^{-2}\mathrm{y}^{-1}$ .
Correctly labelled levels.

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IB Biology SL C4.2.11 Energy Pyramids Questions question 1