Unit 2 Practical 1

Aim: Schematic Collection of data for depicting ecological Pyramid of Numbers in the College
campus
Objective: to collect data on the numbers of producers, primary and secondary consumers and make
the pyramid of numbers.
Methodology: College campus survey and manual data collection

Ecological Pyramids:

Ecological pyramids are graphical representations used to depict the trophic

structure and energy flow within an ecosystem. They illustrate the relationship
between different trophic levels, with each level representing a hierarchical position
in the food chain or food web.

Pyramid of Numbers: The pyramid of numbers represents the number of organisms

at each trophic level within an ecosystem. It typically has a broad base representing
the primary producers, with each higher trophic level successively narrowing as fewer
organisms occupy those levels due to energy loss. The pyramid of numbers helps
visualize the relative abundance of organisms at different trophic levels and provides
insights into the energy transfer within the ecosystem.

Elaboration on Pyramid of Numbers: The pyramid of numbers is based on the

principle that the number of organisms decreases at each successive trophic level
due to energy loss and inefficiency in energy transfer. It reflects the structure of the
food chain or food web within an ecosystem, with primary producers forming the
base and successive consumer levels rising above.

In many ecosystems, the pyramid of numbers may have a large base representing
abundant producers such as plants, followed by fewer herbivores (primary
consumers) and even fewer carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers) at higher
trophic levels. However, there can be variations based on factors such as the size of
organisms, feeding habits, and the complexity of the food web.

The pyramid of numbers provides valuable information about the trophic structure
and dynamics of an ecosystem. It helps ecologists understand the relationships
between organisms and the flow of energy within food chains and food webs.
Additionally, changes in the pyramid of numbers over time can indicate shifts in
ecosystem health, such as changes in species composition, population dynamics, and
energy flow patterns.

Brief Explanation of Pyramid of Biomass: The pyramid of biomass represents the

total biomass (organic matter) present at each trophic level within an ecosystem.
Unlike the pyramid of numbers, which counts individual organisms, the pyramid of
biomass quantifies the amount of living material produced by those organisms.
Biomass is typically measured in grams per unit area (e.g., grams per square meter)
and reflects the energy stored within the organisms.

Brief Explanation of Pyramid of Energy: The pyramid of energy illustrates the flow
of energy through the trophic levels of an ecosystem. It represents the transfer of
energy from one trophic level to another, with each level showing the amount of
energy available for consumption by the next trophic level. The pyramid of energy is
typically upright, with each successive level containing less energy than the previous
level due to energy loss through metabolism, respiration, and heat production.

Observation:
A PYRAMID IS CONSTRUCTED AS PER THE DATA COLLECTED FROM THE COLLEGE
CAMPUS THROUGH campus survey and manual data collection.

Tert. Consumers

Secondary
Consumers

Primary Consumers

PRODUCERS

Results and discussion:

Results and Discussion:

The constructed pyramid revealed the trophic structure within the college campus
ecosystem. Since the College campus is an example of a managed ecosystem, a few of the
components of food chain were not found.

At the base of the pyramid, the largest population was observed among the
producers, mainly grass, flowers, and trees. Moving up the pyramid, the population
sizes decreased, indicating the energy transfer between trophic levels.

In the primary consumers section, grasshoppers, butterflies, bees, and squirrels were
identified, with grasshoppers being the most numerous. This reflects the herbivorous
feeding habits of these organisms, as they consume the plant material provided by
the producers.

In the secondary consumers section, lizards and cats were present in smaller
numbers compared to primary consumers. These organisms are carnivores and prey
on the primary consumers, contributing to the regulation of their populations within
the ecosystem.

Overall, the pyramid of numbers provides insights into the trophic relationships and
energy flow within the college campus ecosystem. The managed nature of the
campus ecosystem may influence the abundance and distribution of organisms,
leading to variations in the pyramid structure compared to natural ecosystems.
Additionally, the absence of certain components of the food chain may be attributed
to human activities or environmental factors, highlighting the need for biodiversity
conservation efforts within urban ecosystems.

Unit 2 Practical 2
Aim: Differentiation of natural and managed ecosystems using Google Earth/Google Map
Objective: to understand the use of Google Earth/Google Map to identify and differentiate natural and
managed ecosystems.
Methodology:
Use of google Earth/Maps for identification of managed and natural ecosystems.
Natural Ecosystem: Definition
Managed Ecosystem: Definition
Observation: Take the Google Image/ screenshots of a nearby natural ecosystem and managed
ecosystem and paste the pictures and briefly describe the places.
Results and Discussion: