Unit 2 Practicals
Unit 2 Practicals
Aim: Schematic Collection of data for depicting ecological Pyramid of Numbers in the College
campus
Objective: to collect data on the numbers of producers, primary and secondary consumers and make
the pyramid of numbers.
Methodology: College campus survey and manual data collection
Ecological Pyramids:
In many ecosystems, the pyramid of numbers may have a large base representing
abundant producers such as plants, followed by fewer herbivores (primary
consumers) and even fewer carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers) at higher
trophic levels. However, there can be variations based on factors such as the size of
organisms, feeding habits, and the complexity of the food web.
The pyramid of numbers provides valuable information about the trophic structure
and dynamics of an ecosystem. It helps ecologists understand the relationships
between organisms and the flow of energy within food chains and food webs.
Additionally, changes in the pyramid of numbers over time can indicate shifts in
ecosystem health, such as changes in species composition, population dynamics, and
energy flow patterns.
Brief Explanation of Pyramid of Energy: The pyramid of energy illustrates the flow
of energy through the trophic levels of an ecosystem. It represents the transfer of
energy from one trophic level to another, with each level showing the amount of
energy available for consumption by the next trophic level. The pyramid of energy is
typically upright, with each successive level containing less energy than the previous
level due to energy loss through metabolism, respiration, and heat production.
Observation:
A PYRAMID IS CONSTRUCTED AS PER THE DATA COLLECTED FROM THE COLLEGE
CAMPUS THROUGH campus survey and manual data collection.
Tert. Consumers
Secondary
Consumers
Primary Consumers
PRODUCERS
At the base of the pyramid, the largest population was observed among the
producers, mainly grass, flowers, and trees. Moving up the pyramid, the population
sizes decreased, indicating the energy transfer between trophic levels.
In the primary consumers section, grasshoppers, butterflies, bees, and squirrels were
identified, with grasshoppers being the most numerous. This reflects the herbivorous
feeding habits of these organisms, as they consume the plant material provided by
the producers.
In the secondary consumers section, lizards and cats were present in smaller
numbers compared to primary consumers. These organisms are carnivores and prey
on the primary consumers, contributing to the regulation of their populations within
the ecosystem.
Overall, the pyramid of numbers provides insights into the trophic relationships and
energy flow within the college campus ecosystem. The managed nature of the
campus ecosystem may influence the abundance and distribution of organisms,
leading to variations in the pyramid structure compared to natural ecosystems.
Additionally, the absence of certain components of the food chain may be attributed
to human activities or environmental factors, highlighting the need for biodiversity
conservation efforts within urban ecosystems.
Unit 2 Practical 2
Aim: Differentiation of natural and managed ecosystems using Google Earth/Google Map
Objective: to understand the use of Google Earth/Google Map to identify and differentiate natural and
managed ecosystems.
Methodology:
Use of google Earth/Maps for identification of managed and natural ecosystems.
Natural Ecosystem: Definition
Managed Ecosystem: Definition
Observation: Take the Google Image/ screenshots of a nearby natural ecosystem and managed
ecosystem and paste the pictures and briefly describe the places.
Results and Discussion: