Food chains, food webs, trophic levels, energy pyramids
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UPSC consistently tests energy flow quantification (10% rule), trophic level classification, and pyramid shape reasoning. Questions often ask why biomass/energy pyramids are always upright, or identify organisms at specific trophic levels. Common trap: confusing food chain linearity with web complexity; examinees must recall that pyramid inversion is rare but possible (inverted pyramids in aquatic ecosystems with high producer turnover).
10% rule: only 10% energy transfers between trophic levels
Producers at base, herbivores primary, carnivores secondary/tertiary
Food web = multiple chains; food chain = linear single path
Always upright: energy & biomass decrease up the pyramid
Trophic efficiency causes progressive energy loss per level