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

Question

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 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

Answer 1

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

This is because, in an energy pyramid, energy is lost at each trophic level (about 90% is lost as heat and metabolic processes), meaning there is less energy available to support a large population of higher-level consumers. Consequently, there are fewer individuals at the top of the pyramid.