. Based upon what we learned in class, a biotic community is the relationship between soil and animals. It is a sum of all the parts within the community. The pyramid represents layers within the biotic community. The bottom layer is the soil. A plant layer rests upon the soil layer, an insect layer lies atop the plants, a bird and rodent layer rests upon the insects. The pyramid works its way up the various animal groups until it finally comes to the peak layer, which consists of the lager carnivorous animals. Leopold places humans in the top layer.There was one idea in particular that really struck me in this book. Though it is merely a story in part II and not a main point in the book, I found the hunt for his first duck quite interesting. I could relate to what he was saying. He describes himself as a young aspiring hunter shooting his first duck with a single-barreled shotgun. He waited and waited until a duck finally flew over and he shot him. The joy of the first kill was jubilant. I remember when I shot my first pheasant as an aspiring hunter. I felt a sense of power. Watching the bird slowly descend was quit a rush, considering I was only ten years old at the time.As for another idea that I can relate to, I would have to say the idea of the land pyramid is something that affects me. This is something that we all depend upon. The layers are dependent upon the other and without the presence of one; all other layers would not be able to properly function. I think it does a good job of showing the importance each layer has in our environment. Soil is the basis for all life, and that is why it is at the bottom of the pyramid....
