Decomposers play a crucial role in the energy cycle by breaking down dead materials and releasing energy back into the ecosystem, although they are often not depicted in traditional food chains or webs. The primary distinction between the "pyramid of energy" and the "pyramid of biomass" lies in their measurement criteria; the pyramid of energy quantifies the energy released from burning a specific mass of an organism, while the pyramid of biomass measures the weight of completely dehydrated organisms. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping ecological dynamics.
PREREQUISITESStudents studying ecology, educators teaching environmental science, and researchers interested in ecosystem dynamics and energy flow.