Post by Siddharth Sanghvi Sir (SIDD SIR).
The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton. Isn’t that a paradox? How would you explain this

The pyramid of biomass in sea is generally inverted because the biomass of fishes far exceeds that of phytoplankton. Isn’t that a paradox? How would you explain this

/ Ecosystem, free, NCERT LINE BY LINE, pre-class / By
Concept/Reason Explanation
Standing Crop The standing crop refers to the total biomass of organisms (like phytoplankton) present in an ecosystem at a given moment. In marine ecosystems, the standing crop of phytoplankton is small, but this doesn’t limit their ability to support consumers.
Turnover Rate Turnover rate refers to how quickly organisms (like phytoplankton) are replaced or replenished. Phytoplankton have short lifespans but reproduce rapidly, ensuring a constant supply of biomass to sustain larger consumers.
Small Standing Crop of Phytoplankton Phytoplankton, the primary producers, have a small biomass at any moment, but their high turnover allows them to support large populations of consumers.
High Reproductive Rate Phytoplankton reproduce and grow rapidly, allowing them to multiply quickly and replenish their population in a short period.
High Productivity Phytoplankton have a high rate of photosynthesis, producing large amounts of energy that support higher trophic levels (zooplankton, fish, etc.).
Support for Larger Consumer Biomass The fast regeneration of phytoplankton allows them to sustain a much larger biomass of consumers, despite their low standing crop at any moment.