What is represented by an energy pyramid in an ecosystem?

An energy pyramid visually represents how energy is distributed among different trophic levels in an ecosystem. At the base of the pyramid, you find the primary producers, such as plants, which capture energy from the sun through photosynthesis. As you move up the pyramid, energy is transferred to primary consumers (herbivores), then to secondary and tertiary consumers (carnivores and omnivores). However, at each trophic level, only a fraction of the energy is passed on, as much of it is lost through metabolic processes, heat, and other life functions. This phenomenon is often illustrated as a decrease in available energy, resulting in a pyramid shape. The broader base represents a larger biomass of producers, while the narrower top indicates fewer consumers, illustrating the inefficiency of energy transfer in ecosystems.