What is an energy pyramid?

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation of the flow of energy through a particular ecosystem. It illustrates how energy is transferred from one trophic level to another within the food chain. Typically, energy pyramids are divided into horizontal layers, with each layer representing a different trophic level. The bottom layer represents the primary producers, such as plants or algae, which convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Above them are the primary consumers, such as herbivores, which feed on the producers. Further up are the secondary consumers, which prey on the primary consumers, and so on. As energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, it decreases, resulting in a pyramid-shaped structure. This decrease in energy is due to inefficiencies in energy transfer and metabolism, with only a fraction of the energy being transferred from one level to the next.