1. An energy pyramid is a presentation of the trophic levels in an ecosystem. Energy from the sun is transferred through the ecosystem by passing through various trophic levels. Roughly 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, thus preventing a large number of trophic levels. There must be higher amounts of biomass at the bottom of the pyramid to support the energy and biomass requirements of the higher trophic levels.
2. When plastic is part of the food chain:
Microplastics are plastic pieces smaller than 5 mm. This can include extremely small plastic pieces used in household products, clothing fibres and large plastic pieces that degrade into smaller fragments.
Microplastics can accumulate in fish, birds and other marine life. Because they do not break down rapidly, the amount in the sea and fish will continue to accumulate, making the problem worse over time, until we manage to reduce the amount of plastic in the sea.