Why is there less biomass at the top of the energy pyramid?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Secondary and tertiary consumers have bigger ranges, so there are fewer of them because they each need a lot of space.
Secondary and tertiary consumers have bigger ranges, so there are fewer of them because they each need a lot of space.

Secondary and tertiary consumers live longer, so there are fewer of them because they reproduce more slowly.
Secondary and tertiary consumers live longer, so there are fewer of them because they reproduce more slowly.

Secondary and tertiary consumers have to consume a lot more food to support themselves, so there are fewer of them.
Secondary and tertiary consumers have to consume a lot more food to support themselves, so there are fewer of them.

Secondary and tertiary consumers are larger, so there are fewer of them.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Secondary and tertiary consumers have to consume a lot more food to support themselves, so there are fewer of them.

This option accurately reflects the principle of energy transfer in an ecosystem, where energy and biomass decrease as one moves up the energy pyramid due to the inefficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels. Secondary and tertiary consumers require a larger amount of energy (food) to sustain themselves, leading to fewer individuals at those higher levels compared to the primary producers and primary consumers.

Answer 2

Using the ten percent rule, determine how many kilocalories of energy the tertiary consumer tuna will receive.

Algae Shrimp Lantern Fish Tuna
135,000 Kcal


(1 point)
Responses

1,350 Kcal
1,350 Kcal

135 Kcal
135 Kcal

135,000 Kcal
135,000 Kcal

13,500 Kcal
13,500 Kcal

Answer 3

To determine how many kilocalories of energy the tuna (tertiary consumer) will receive using the ten percent rule, we need to calculate the energy transferred through the trophic levels.

1. Energy from Algae (producers): 135,000 Kcal
2. Energy passed to Shrimp (primary consumers): 10% of 135,000 Kcal = 13,500 Kcal
3. Energy passed to Lantern Fish (secondary consumers): 10% of 13,500 Kcal = 1,350 Kcal
4. Energy passed to Tuna (tertiary consumers): 10% of 1,350 Kcal = 135 Kcal

Therefore, the correct response is:

135 Kcal

Answer 4

Read the following statements about various species of plants and animals. Based on these statements, which one would most likely be classified as an invasive species, and not just a non-native species, in the United States?(1 point)
Responses

Species D, native to Eurasia, has been released in various American states to combat the invasive plant, purple loosestrife. It does not affect other native plants.
Species D, native to Eurasia, has been released in various American states to combat the invasive plant, purple loosestrife. It does not affect other native plants.

Species B is from Europe and can sting people. This species is often farmed in America for its ability to pollinate and provide honey.
Species B is from Europe and can sting people. This species is often farmed in America for its ability to pollinate and provide honey.

Species A is a plant from Eurasia. It is often considered a weed by homeowners and killed by using an herbicide. This plant can be consumed in salads or as a tea and is the first food resource for bees in the spring. It does not grow uncontrollably.
Species A is a plant from Eurasia. It is often considered a weed by homeowners and killed by using an herbicide. This plant can be consumed in salads or as a tea and is the first food resource for bees in the spring. It does not grow uncontrollably.

Species C, a plant from Japan, was introduced as a foliage crop and to reduce soil erosion. It grows up to a foot per day, smothering low-growing plants and killing trees. It has no natural predators.

Answer 5

The species that would most likely be classified as an invasive species in the United States is:

Species C, a plant from Japan, was introduced as a foliage crop and to reduce soil erosion. It grows up to a foot per day, smothering low-growing plants and killing trees. It has no natural predators.

Invasive species are typically characterized by their ability to spread rapidly, dominate ecosystems, and have detrimental effects on native species and habitats. Species C fits this description due to its fast growth, ability to smother other plants, and lack of natural predators, making it a serious threat to the local ecosystem.

Answer 6

Use the following formula to find the efficiency of energy transfer between the harbor seal (2,500 Kcal) and a polar bear (375 Kcal).

(Energy level transfered to next level)(Total energy input) × 100
(1 point)
Responses

15%
15%

20%
20%

12%
12%

10%

Answer 7

To calculate the efficiency of energy transfer from the harbor seal to the polar bear, we will use the formula provided:

$$\text{Efficiency}=\left(\frac{\text{Energy level transferred to next level}}{\text{Total energy input}}\right)\times 100$$

Using the values from your question:

• Energy level transferred to the polar bear (output): 375 Kcal (energy received by the polar bear)
• Total energy input (energy in the harbor seal): 2,500 Kcal

Now substituting the values into the formula:

$$\text{Efficiency}=\left(\frac{375,\text{Kcal}}{2500,\text{Kcal}}\right)\times 100$$

Calculating this:

$$\text{Efficiency}=\left(\frac{375}{2500}\right)\times 100=0.15\times 100=15$$

So the efficiency of energy transfer from the harbor seal to the polar bear is:

15%