An inverted energy pyramid for an ecosystem, one where there are more consumers than producers at a given point in time, is possible if which of the following is true?
A) Producers are reproducing more slowly than consumers.
B) There is intense sunlight for long periods of time, as in the tropics.
C) Producers are reproducing much more rapidly than consumers.
D) Decomposers are reproducing much more rapidly than consumers.
E) Consumers are reproducing more rapidly than producers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An inverted energy pyramid can occur if producers reproduce much more rapidly than consumers, allowing a large biomass of consumers to be supported by a relatively small biomass of rapidly reproducing producers. This is because the energy pyramid reflects the flow of energy from one trophic level to the next, not necessarily the biomass or numbers of organisms.

An Inverted Energy Pyramid for an Ecosystem, One Where There