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

Question

Responses

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

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 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 have to consume a lot more food to support themselves, 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 explanation reflects the principles of energy transfer in ecosystems, where energy decreases with each trophic level, leading to fewer organisms at higher levels of the energy pyramid.