The number of trophic levels in an ecosystem is limited by
A) the number of tertiary consumers.
B) the loss of energy with each transfer between trophic levels.
C) the gain of energy with each transfer between trophic levels.
D) the rate at which organisms can recycle energy within the ecosystem.
E) the rate at which secondary consumers consume their prey.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The number of trophic levels in an ecosystem is limited by the loss of energy with each transfer between trophic levels. As energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, some energy is always lost as heat. This loss of energy limits the number of trophic levels that can exist in an ecosystem. Typically, only 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, which means that there is not enough energy available to support a large number of trophic levels.

The Number of Trophic Levels in an Ecosystem Is Limited