How does inefficient transfer of energy among trophic levels result in the typically high endangerment status of many top-level predators?
A) Top-level predators are destined to have small populations that are sparsely distributed.
B) Predators have relatively large population sizes.
C) Predators are more disease-prone than animals at lower trophic levels.
D) Top-level predators are more likely to be stricken with parasites.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Top-level predators typically have small populations due to their position at the top of the trophic pyramid. Inefficient transfer of energy among trophic levels means that there is less energy available at the top of the food chain, which makes it harder for top-level predators to find enough food to sustain their populations. This, in turn, makes them more susceptible to endangerment.

How Does Inefficient Transfer of Energy Among Trophic Levels Result