The flow of energy in an example arctic ecosystem goes through a simple food chain as depicted below:
Phytoplankton → zooplankton → fish → seals → polar bears
Which of the following is the most accurate conclusion when considering the energetics in this food chain?
A) Polar bears could provide more biomass of food for humans than seals can.
B) The total biomass of the fish is lower than that of the seals.
C) Seal populations are larger than fish populations.
D) Fish can potentially provide more food for humans than seal meat.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a typical food chain, energy is lost at each trophic level due to factors like metabolic processes and heat loss. Therefore, organisms lower in the food chain (like fish) generally have a greater biomass and can potentially provide more food for humans than organisms higher in the food chain (like seals).

The Flow of Energy in an Example Arctic Ecosystem Goes