Consider the following statements: Assertion (A): In a forest ecosystem, the pyramid of numbers is generally inverted. Reason (R): A few large-sized trees support a greater number of herbivores, parasites, and hyperparasites at successive trophic levels. For the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) below, choose the correct alternative from the following. |ForumIAS

[A] Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

[B] Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A

[C] A is true, but R is false

[D] A is false, but R is true

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation:

In forest ecosystems, the pyramid of numbers is inverted because a small number of large-sized producers (trees) support a greater number of herbivores (like birds), parasites, and hyperparasites at higher trophic levels.
Thus, both the assertion and reason are correct, and the reason appropriately explains why the pyramid is inverted in forest ecosystems.

Source: Environment (NCERT)