Multiple Choice
Why is less energy available to organisms at higher trophic levels in an ecosystem?
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52. Ecosystems
Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
In an energy pyramid representing a terrestrial ecosystem, which trophic level contains the most energy?
A
Secondary consumers (carnivores)
B
Producers (autotrophs)
C
Primary consumers (herbivores)
D
Tertiary consumers (top predators)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of an energy pyramid: An energy pyramid illustrates the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, starting from producers at the base to top predators at the apex.
Recall the principle of energy transfer: Energy decreases as it moves up the trophic levels due to energy loss in the form of heat and metabolic processes. Only about 10% of the energy is transferred to the next level.
Identify the trophic levels: Producers (autotrophs) form the base of the pyramid, followed by primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and tertiary consumers (top predators).
Determine which level contains the most energy: Since producers are the base of the pyramid, they capture energy directly from the sun through photosynthesis, making them the level with the most energy.
Conclude that energy diminishes progressively as you move up the pyramid, with tertiary consumers having the least energy due to cumulative energy loss at each trophic level.
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