Energy is stored in chemical bonds of organic molecules like glucose Cellular respiration breaks organic chemical bonds and forms ATP as energy source ATP is used for work like repairing tissues, reproduction Energy of work is lost as heat to the environment. Second trophic level is primary consumers, etc. Energy moves from one trophic level to next as long as it isn t used for biological work Pyramid of numbers shows number of organisms at each trophic level. Higher levels have fewer number typically. Takes lots of mice to fill up a snake.
Inverted pyramids happen with decomposers, parasites, herbivorous insects, etc.
One tree feeds lots of insects. Pyramid of biomass looks at weight of living material, amount of fixed energy at a given time. Reduction in biomass at higher trophic levels. Inverted pyramids can happen with single-cell algae that reproduce quickly being eaten by fish. Higher rate of biomass production in producers, still.