Kendra is studying the energy pyramid shown.

Question

Which statement is supported by the energy pyramid?

The ecosystem can support fewer foxes than grasshoppers.
Foxes require less energy than birds.
The ecosystem can support more foxes than birds.
Grasshoppers require more energy than birds.

Answer 1

The statement supported by the energy pyramid is: The ecosystem can support fewer foxes than grasshoppers.

This is because, in an energy pyramid, as you move up the trophic levels (from producers to primary consumers to secondary consumers), the amount of energy available decreases. Grasshoppers, being primary consumers (and typically associated with producers), have a larger population supported by the available energy compared to foxes, which are higher-level consumers (predators). Therefore, fewer foxes can be supported in the ecosystem compared to the number of grasshoppers.