Given below is an ecological pyramid.
The above pyramid represents
Pyramid of numbers of a parasitic food chain and pyramid of biomass of a pond ecosystem.
Pyramid of number of a pond ecosystem and pyramid of biomass of a forest ecosystem
Pyramid of energy of a grassland and pyramid of biomass of an open ocean ecosystem.
Pyramid of biomass of a grassland and pyramid of number of a tropical forest ecosystem.
In a parasitic food chain, the pyramid of numbers represents the number of individuals at each trophic level. Typically, the number of individuals decreases as you move up the food chain due to energy loss and the transfer of biomass from one trophic level to the next. The base of the pyramid represents the primary producers, followed by the primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and so on. In a parasitic food chain, the number of individuals may decrease dramatically at higher trophic levels as each predator typically feeds on only a few individuals.
On the other hand, the pyramid of biomass represents the total biomass (the dry weight of all living organisms) at each trophic level. Unlike the pyramid of numbers, the pyramid of biomass takes into account the mass of the organisms, which provides a more accurate representation of the energy available at each trophic level. Biomass generally decreases as you move up the food chain, as energy is lost as heat and during metabolic processes. Thus, the base of the pyramid usually represents the highest biomass, primarily consisting of primary producers, followed by lower biomass at higher trophic levels.
In a pond ecosystem, the pyramid of biomass may show large biomass of primary producers such as algae or aquatic plants at the base, followed by smaller biomass of herbivores, and even smaller biomass of carnivores at higher trophic levels. The pyramid of numbers in a parasitic food chain within the pond ecosystem may show a smaller number of parasites compared to the number of hosts, as parasites typically have fewer individuals in relation to their host population.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1.