Which of the following best explains why there are fewer secondary consumers than producers?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Heat energy given off from producers kills off primary and secondary consumers.
Heat energy given off from producers kills off primary and secondary consumers.

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

Secondary consumers have less cell processes that need energy.
Secondary consumers have less cell processes that need energy.

More secondary consumers can absorb radiant energy from the sun.

Answer 1

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

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

This statement reflects the concept of energy transfer between trophic levels, commonly referred to as the 10% rule, which indicates that only a small fraction (around 10%) of the energy from one level is available to the next level. This results in fewer organisms at higher trophic levels, such as secondary consumers.