On average, only about ____ percent of the energy available at one trophic level is passed on to the next trophic level.
A) 1
B) 5
C) 10
D) 90
E) 50

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is because energy is lost at each transfer due to inefficiencies of biological processes such as respiration, heat loss, and undigested material. Only a small portion of the energy available at one trophic level is transferred to the next level in the food chain. The remaining energy is lost as heat or through waste. On average, only about 10% of the energy available at one trophic level is passed on to the next trophic level.

On Average, Only About ____ Percent of the Energy Available