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

Question

Responses

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

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.

More secondary consumers can absorb radiant energy from the sun.

Answer 1

The statement that best explains why there are fewer secondary consumers than producers is:

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

This principle, known as the "10% Rule," explains that as energy moves up trophic levels from producers to primary consumers and then to secondary consumers, only about 10% of the energy is efficiently transferred to the next level. This results in fewer organisms at each successive trophic level, leading to fewer secondary consumers compared to producers.