Question

analyze a pyramid of biomass. a pyramid of biomass shows the mass of all of the organisms in each trophic level of an ecosystem. look at the biomass pyramid to the right. based on the data shown, how many kilograms of plant matter would be needed to support the other trophic levels in this ecosystem?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall biomass - transfer rule

In an ecosystem, about 10 - 20% of biomass is transferred from one trophic level to the next higher one.

Step2: Calculate biomass for lowest level

If we assume a 10% transfer rate, and the biomass of the second - lowest level is 9000 kg. Let the biomass of the lowest (plant) level be $x$. Then $0.1x = 9000$. Solving for $x$, we get $x=\frac{9000}{0.1}=90000$ kg.

Answer:

90000 kg