AQA · GCSE · Biology
Course version: 8461 · Version from Sept 2018
Pyramids of biomass: Trophic level 1 is at the bottom of the pyramid.
In a pyramid of biomass, trophic level 1 is always placed at the bottom.
Checked against the AQA 8461 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 3
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In a pyramid of biomass, trophic level 1 is always placed at the bottom. Trophic level 1 contains the producers, which are plants or algae that make their own food by photosynthesis. Producers capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy stored in biomass, forming the base of the food chain. Because they are the first level and have the greatest biomass, they are drawn as the lowest and widest bar. Higher trophic levels are stacked above in sequence: primary consumers at level 2, secondary consumers at level 3, and so on. Pyramids of biomass are always upright, showing the decrease in biomass at each successive stage and the direction of energy flow.
What earns the marks
- Trophic level 1 is the bottom bar of a pyramid of biomass.
- Trophic level 1 contains the producers, such as plants or algae.
- Producers make their own food by photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain.
- Higher trophic levels are stacked above level 1 in order.
- Pyramids of biomass are always upright, so the bottom bar is always the widest.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Placing consumers at the bottom of the pyramid.
Put it right: Trophic level 1 is always the producers.
Numbering trophic levels from the top downwards.
Put it right: Numbering starts at the bottom with level 1.
Thinking pyramids of biomass can be inverted.
Put it right: Unlike pyramids of number, pyramids of biomass are always upright.
Exam tips
- Always label the bottom bar as trophic level 1 and identify the organisms as producers.
- Remember that pyramids of biomass must be drawn to scale and are always upright.
Try the lesson
The start of the Pyramids of biomass: Trophic level 1 is at the bottom of the pyramid. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In a pyramid of biomass, which trophic level is always placed at the bottom?
Listen
In a pyramid of biomass, trophic level 1 is always placed at the bottom. Trophic level 1 contains the producers, which are plants or algae that make their own food by photosynthesis. Producers capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy stored in biomass, forming the base of the food chain. Because they are the first level and have the greatest biomass, they are drawn as the lowest and widest bar. Higher trophic levels are stacked above in sequence: primary consumers at level 2, secondary consumers at level 3, and so on. Pyramids of biomass are always upright, showing the decrease in biomass at each successive stage and the direction of energy flow. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Trophic level 1 is the bottom bar of a pyramid of biomass. Trophic level 1 contains the producers, such as plants or algae. Producers make their own food by photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain. Higher trophic levels are stacked above level 1 in order. Exam tip: Always label the bottom bar as trophic level 1 and identify the organisms as producers.
Key words
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Producers
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Trophic level 1
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Pyramids of biomass
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See every definition
- Producers
- Plants or algae that make their own food by photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain.
- Trophic level 1
- The bottom bar of a pyramid of biomass, containing the producers.
- Pyramids of biomass
- Always upright, showing the decrease in biomass at each successive stage and the direction of energy flow.
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