Biomass Definition Energy Source: Definition ,Introduction, Types, Disadvantages, Production

What is Biomass Energy?

The energy produced from biomass is called biomass energy. Biomass energy is renewable energy generated from plants and animals. Any organic matter that can have energy in a reaction can produce biomass energy. It can be trees, leaves, pellets, droppings and other organic matter. Biomass energy is far more beneficial to the environment than non-renewable energy sources such as coal. It is carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide resulting from its combustion is balanced by the CO₂ absorbed by plants as they grow.

Sources of Biomass Energy

Biomass includes all wood products, agricultural crops, and waste, which absorb energy by photosynthesis. The stored energy inside biomass is released as heat.

History of Biomass Energy

From a technological point of view, biomass energy was discovered when people lived in caves. In the 13th century, Marco Polo described the use of biomass for fuel production, inspired by the Chinese who used it to cover sewage tanks for biogas production.

Types of Biomass Fuels

Biomass energy can be converted into a variety of forms, which can power vehicles, create electricity, and even warm homes. Biomass energy is irreplaceable and contributes to environmental sustainability. Biomass, as a renewable source of energy, holds a most important place in the international movement toward clean energy.

Advantages of Biomass Energy

The benefits of biomass energy are:

Renewable energy source: The amount of organic material used in biomass production is limitless as our society continuously generates garbage, wood and manure.

Carbon neutral: As biomass fuels are a natural part of photosynthesis, they release only as much carbon into the atmosphere as plants absorb during their life cycle.

Reduces dependence on fossil fuels: Fossil fuels cause and limit environmental issues, such as releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide and pollutants into the atmosphere during disposal, transportation and production.

Less expensive: Fossil fuel production requires significant capital investments such as drilling for oil, building gas pipelines and collecting energy, but biomass technology is much cheaper. Producers and manufacturers can earn higher profits with less production.

Disadvantages of Biomass Energy

The disadvantages of biomass energy are:

Health Problems: Biomass production can cause serious health problems or pose risks to people due to the lack of understanding and necessary procedures, especially in low-income areas.

Land Intensive: Deforestation, land degradation and attack can be significant issues related to biomass production, depending on the resources used.

Temperature Sensitive: They are not stable and change their density as the temperature changes, especially during low temperatures they turn solid.

Biomass Energy NEET MCQs

Q1. An inverted pyramid of biomass can be found in which the ecosystem?

1. Forest

2. Marine

3. Grassland

4. Tundra

Correct answer: 2) Marine

Explanation:

In marine ecosystems, the biomass pyramid is inverted because phytoplankton, though small, have a high turnover rate and are consumed quickly by larger organisms. Fish, which are much larger, accumulate more biomass despite consuming a lot of phytoplankton. As a result, the total biomass of fish is greater than that of the phytoplankton, creating an inverted pyramid.

Hence, the answer is the option 2) Marine.

Q2. Which of the following statements is true about the Pyramid of Biomass?

1. It always shows a pyramid shape in all ecosystems.

2. It represents the total mass of organisms in a given area.

3. It is a graphical representation of the energy available at each trophic level.

4. It can never be inverted in an ecosystem.

Correct answer: 2) It represents the total mass of organisms in a given area.

Explanation:

A pyramid of biomass essentially quantifies the total living or organic matter present in a specific area at each trophic level within an ecological community. This includes the biomass of producers, such as plants, at the base, followed by herbivores that consume these plants, and subsequently, the carnivores that feed on the herbivores, known as first-level carnivores. The biomass is measured in units of mass per unit area.

It's crucial to note that in terrestrial ecosystems, the biomass typically decreases as we ascend the pyramid. For example, the biomass of a solitary tree is significantly greater than the collective biomass of various birds that depend on it for food. Similarly, the biomass of these birds is substantially more than their parasites. This inverse relationship between biomass and trophic levels is a common observation.

In aquatic ecosystems, particularly the sea, we often encounter an inverted pyramid of biomass. This phenomenon arises because the biomass of fishes, which occupy higher trophic levels, frequently surpasses that of phytoplankton, the lowest producer. Phytoplankton, despite their small size, are the foundation of the aquatic food chain due to their high reproduction rates and vast numbers. Consequently, the inverted pyramid in the sea is quite typical, reflecting the disproportionate biomass distribution among various trophic levels in marine environments.

The structure of these pyramids provides insights into the efficiency of energy transfer and the complex interactions that define an ecosystem's structure and function. The clarity and simplicity of the concept are essential for a comprehensive understanding of ecological dynamics.

Hence the correct answer is option 2. It represents the total mass of organisms in a given area.

Q3. Assertion: In an aquatic ecosystem, the Pyramid of Biomass is usually inverted because of the high rate of turnover of primary producers.

Reasoning: Primary producers have a low biomass and a high rate of turnover, while secondary consumers have a higher biomass and a lower rate of turnover.

1. Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning correctly explains the assertion.

2. Both assertion and reasoning are true, but the reasoning does not correctly explain the assertion.

3. The assertion is true, but the reasoning is false.

4. Both assertion and reasoning are false.

Correct answer: 1) Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning correctly explains the assertion.

Explanation:

The assertion that the Pyramid of Biomass is usually inverted in an aquatic ecosystem due to the high rate of turnover of primary producers is true. The reasoning that primary producers have a low biomass and a high rate of turnover, while secondary consumers have a higher biomass and a lower rate of turnover, correctly explains why the Pyramid of Biomass is inverted in aquatic ecosystems.

Hence the correct option is 1) Both assertion and reasoning are true, and the reasoning correctly explains the assertion.

Also Read:

• MCQs on Pyramid of Biomass

• Ecological Pyramid

• Components of Ecosystem

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