For most terrestrial ecosystems, pyramids composed of species abundances, biomass, and energy are similar in that they have a broad base and a narrow top. The primary reason for this pattern is that ________.
A) secondary consumers and top carnivores require less energy than producers
B) at each step, energy is lost from the system
C) biomagnification of toxic materials limits the secondary consumers and top carnivores
D) top carnivores and secondary consumers have a more general diet than primary producers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At each trophic level, energy is lost primarily through metabolic processes as heat. This loss of energy at each step results in fewer organisms and less biomass being supported at higher trophic levels, leading to the characteristic broad base and narrow top of ecological pyramids.

For Most Terrestrial Ecosystems, Pyramids Composed of Species Abundances, Biomass