The limited number of tropic levels is most likely due to
A) reduction in energy up the tropic scale.
B) the large proportion of energy that is transferred from one tropic level to the next.
C) the high level of energy available at the top of the ecological pyramid.
D) the constant level of energy available at the base of different ecosystems.
E) The constant energy flowing from one energy level to the next.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The limited number of trophic levels is primarily due to the reduction in energy up the trophic scale. As energy moves up from one trophic level to the next, a significant amount is lost, primarily as heat due to metabolic processes, leaving less available for higher trophic levels. This concept is described by the 10% rule, where only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next level.

The Limited Number of Tropic Levels Is Most Likely Due