Given below are two statements regarding ecological pyramids: Statement I: Ecological pyramids assume a simple food chain and do not accommodate a food web. Statement II: Saprophytes are assigned the highest trophic level in ecological pyramids due to their vital role in the ecosystem. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is correct because ecological pyramids are constructed based on the assumption of a simple food chain, which rarely exists in nature, and they do not accommodate the complexities of a food web. Statement II is incorrect because saprophytes (decomposers) are not given any place in ecological pyramids, despite their crucial and vital role in ecosystem functioning. Answer: Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect