What is the name of the pyramid that counts the number of organisms at each trophic level?

The pyramid that specifically counts the number of organisms at each trophic level is known as a numbers pyramid. This structure visually represents the total number of individual organisms present at each level of a food chain, from producers at the base to top predators at the apex. The width of each section in the pyramid illustrates the abundance of organisms within that trophic level, helping to highlight how population numbers can vary dramatically from one level to another.

In contrast, an energy pyramid focuses on the flow of energy through each trophic level, depicting the amount of energy available at each stage rather than counting individuals. A biomass pyramid, on the other hand, measures the total mass of living organisms at each level, providing a different perspective on ecosystem productivity. Lastly, a production pyramid refers to the rate of biomass production (usually in units such as grams per square meter per year) and also does not specifically count individual organisms. Thus, the numbers pyramid is uniquely suited for illustrating the abundance of organisms in an ecosystem.