Tropical Rainforest's Energy Pyramid

For proper functioning of an ecosystem, energy is transferred from one organism to another. In an ecosystem, the energy pyramid is defined as the graphical representation of this energy flow from one trophic level to another. Similar to the food pyramid, the lower the level in an energy pyramid, the more is the population of the particular group in that level. Let's take a look at the energy pyramid, in case of tropical rainforests.

Tropical Rainforest's Energy Pyramid

Tropical rainforests, as the name suggests, are forest areas found near the equator. Tropical rainforests are common in Asia, Africa, Australia, Central and South America, Southern Mexico and the Pacific Islands. The annual rainfall is about 1,750-2000 millimeters, average humidity is between 77-88 percent, and the average monthly temperature is always more than 18 degrees Celsius. The tropical rainforest is divided into five major layers (each with varied plant and animal species), namely, the floor layer, the shrub layer, the understory layer, the canopy layer and the emergent layer. The energy pyramid of tropical rainforests starting from the base includes the following:

Primary Producers: The primary producers or detritivores occupy the base of the energy pyramid. The only universal source of energy available to all the organisms is the sun, which provides solar energy. The primary producers synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water by using solar energy (photosynthesis). Primary producers of tropical rainforests include cyanobacteria, algae and all types of green plants starting from the small herbs to the tall, broad-leaved evergreen trees.

Primary Consumers: Primary consumers consume autotrophs as their food and derive energy for their survival. Thus, energy from the autotrophs is transferred to the primary consumers. Examples of primary consumers in tropical rainforests are grasshoppers, beetles and slugs, squirrels, cows, deers etc.

Secondary and Tertiary Consumers: In an energy pyramid, secondary and tertiary consumers occupy the third and fourth trophic levels, respectively. The former feed on the autotrophs as well as primary consumers, their energy source. Secondary consumers of tropical rainforests include frogs, toads, sparrows and woodpeckers. Tertiary consumers are carnivores that feed on the secondary consumers, and include the hawks, jackals, leopards, lions, tigers etc.

While transferring energy from one trophic level to another, the maximum percentage of energy is lost through heat. In fact, only a small amount of energy (about 1.2 percent) is transferred to the next higher trophic level.

Detritivores: The last trophic level in the energy pyramid is the detrivores, which feed on dead and decayed plants and organisms. Detritivores include fungi, and microorganisms like bacteria and virus. They break down complex organic substances into simpler forms, which are generally used by the autotrophs as their nutrient source. In fact, detritivores are the connecting link between the primary producers and consumers, and play an important role in cleaning the environment.

Due to favorable environmental conditions, the tropical rainforests house more than 50 percent of the total plant and animal species. Scientists are of the opinion that many plant species, insects and microorganisms are yet to be identified and discovered. Tropical rainforests are referred to as the 'world's largest pharmacy', as one-fourth of the modern medicines are derived from these rainforests. It is estimated that more than 80 percent of the world's biodiversity are found in tropical rainforests.