Most of the energy contained in one trophic level is "lost" when it gets to the next trophic level. What form does the lost energy take?
A) free electrons
B) metabolic heat
C) potential energy, in chemical bonds
D) kinetic energy, in the motion of consumers

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When energy is transferred from one trophic level to another, a significant amount of it is lost as metabolic heat. This is due to the fact that organisms use a lot of energy to keep themselves alive and to carry out their essential metabolic processes. Some of this energy is lost as heat to the environment, reducing the amount of energy available for the next trophic level.

Most of the Energy Contained in One Trophic Level Is