Organic and inorganic materials move in an ecosystem in two ways that are cyclical and connected to one another in some way. They are the following: i. Food chain and web ii. Biogeochemical cycle
A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms, each dependent on the next as a source of food. In contrast, a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains, illustrating the multiple interactions among various species in an ecosystem. Both concepts describe the transfer of energy and nutrients through trophic levels, showcasing the interdependence of different organisms in the ecosystem.
Ecological pyramids are graphical representations of the trophic structure and energy flow in an ecosystem. They consist of three types: pyramid of numbers, pyramid of biomass, and pyramid of energy. These pyramids visually depict the quantitative relationships between different trophic levels, emphasizing the decreasing energy transfer as one moves up the food chain.
Pyramid of numbers represents the number of individuals at each trophic level in an ecosystem. It may have an upright or inverted shape depending on the organization of the ecosystem.
Pyramid of biomass illustrates the total dry mass of living organisms at each trophic level. It provides a more accurate depiction of energy transfer, as it accounts for variations in individual organism sizes and eliminates the influence of large numbers of small organisms.