Which of the following best explains why there are fewer secondary consumers than producers?

Question

A. Secondary consumers have less cell processes that need energy
B. More secondary consumers can absorb radiant energy from the sun
C. Heat energy given off from producers kills off primary and secondary consumers
D. Around 10% of the energy is transferred to support the next trophic level

Answer 1

The best explanation for why there are fewer secondary consumers than producers is:

D. Around 10% of the energy is transferred to support the next trophic level.

This statement refers to the concept of energy transfer in an ecological pyramid, where the amount of energy decreases as it moves up through the trophic levels. Because only about 10% of the energy from one level is available to the next level, there are typically fewer organisms at higher trophic levels, such as secondary consumers, compared to producers.