Consider the following statements: Statement I: The pyramid of energy is always upright, regardless of the ecosystem type. Statement II: This is because at each trophic level, a portion of energy is lost as heat and only a small fraction is passed on to the next level. Which one of the following is correct? |ForumIAS

[A] Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I

[B] Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I

[C] Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

[D] Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation:

The energy pyramid is always upright in all ecosystems (terrestrial or aquatic) because energy flow follows the laws of thermodynamics.
Due to losses at each trophic level (mainly as heat through respiration), only a small fraction of energy is transferred upward.
Since Statement II correctly explains Statement I based on energy flow dynamics, option (a) is correct.

Source: Environment (NCERT)