The flow of energy in an ecosystem
A) decreases by 90% at each trophic level.
B) is a discrete amount transferred without change.
C) transfers from plants to carnivores to herbivores.
D) is wasted by the decomposers.
E) involves all of these.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The flow of energy in an ecosystem decreases by 90% at each trophic level due to energy lost as heat, movement, and other metabolic processes. This is known as the 10% rule, where only 10% of the energy is passed on from one trophic level to the next.

The Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem