Home » Ask & Discuss » Biology (for Medical Entrance) » Botany « Back to Discussion

Botany

Blazing goIITian

Joined:	16 Mar 2008
Post:	1801

4 Nov 2008 12:28:49 IST

0 People liked this

419

ecology, easy one..

None

how is it possible that more biomass is possible for 2nd trophic level than 1st trophic level in aquatic habitait..

or the other way of putting the question.. how is biomass of phytoplanktons less than zooplanktons when the zooplanktons use the energy of only phytoplanktons

Share this article on:

Comments (3)

Archana

Scorching goIITian

Joined: 8 Oct 2008

Posts: 239

4 Nov 2008 19:24:04 IST

Like 1 people liked this

Actually the biomass of zooplankton's depends upon the reproductive potential and longevity of its members. So they have more biomass.

Its only a guess, correct me if wrong.

vignesh the cooler version of newton

Blazing goIITian

Joined: 16 Mar 2008

Posts: 1801

4 Nov 2008 19:27:24 IST

Like 0 people liked this

no offense meant..
but if they have to increase their number, they need energy for that...
for energy, they depend on energy of phytoplanktons..
is the 2nd law of thermodynamics invalid here as the energy available to zooplanktons seems to be more than energy available to phytoplanktons...

Archana

Scorching goIITian

Joined: 8 Oct 2008

Posts: 239

4 Nov 2008 21:05:37 IST

Like 2 people liked this

Biomass actually means the amount of living contents inside the organisms.

This energy is no doubt available from the phytoplanktons but if u put emphasis upon my point then u will find that i am talking about their reproductive potential and also longevity.

The one generation of zooplankton gain energy from several generations of phytoplanktons. Its quite simple

And hello its not at all the violation of second law of thermodynamics.

Quick Reply

Reply

	Some HTML allowed.
	Keep your comments above the belt or risk having them deleted.
	Signup for a avatar to have your pictures show up by your comment
	If Members see a thread that violates the Posting Rules, bring it to the attention of the Moderator Team