Question
1/8
Which statement best describes the energy transfer in an ecosystem?
Select all correct options
C. Energy is gained at each trophic level, increasing the total energy in the ecosystem.
D. Energy is stored at each trophic level, with no loss to the environment.
B. Energy is lost at each trophic level, primarily as heat.
A. Energy is transferred from producers to consumers and then to decomposers.
Which statement best describes the energy transfer in an ecosystem?
Select all correct options
C. Energy is gained at each trophic level, increasing the total energy in the ecosystem.
D. Energy is stored at each trophic level, with no loss to the environment.
B. Energy is lost at each trophic level, primarily as heat.
A. Energy is transferred from producers to consumers and then to decomposers.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the context of energy transfer in an ecosystem, the correct options are:
**B. Energy is lost at each trophic level, primarily as heat.**
**A. Energy is transferred from producers to consumers and then to decomposers.**
**Explanation:**
- **A** is correct because energy moves from producers (like plants) to primary consumers (herbivores), then to secondary consumers (carnivores) and decomposers.
- **B** is also correct because energy is dissipated as heat at each trophic level, following the second law of thermodynamics, which states that energy transfers involve some loss, primarily in the form of heat.
On the other hand, **C** and **D** are incorrect:
- **C** is incorrect because energy does not gain as it moves up the trophic levels; instead, it decreases.
- **D** is incorrect because energy is not stored without loss; there is a loss of energy at each trophic level.
**B. Energy is lost at each trophic level, primarily as heat.**
**A. Energy is transferred from producers to consumers and then to decomposers.**
**Explanation:**
- **A** is correct because energy moves from producers (like plants) to primary consumers (herbivores), then to secondary consumers (carnivores) and decomposers.
- **B** is also correct because energy is dissipated as heat at each trophic level, following the second law of thermodynamics, which states that energy transfers involve some loss, primarily in the form of heat.
On the other hand, **C** and **D** are incorrect:
- **C** is incorrect because energy does not gain as it moves up the trophic levels; instead, it decreases.
- **D** is incorrect because energy is not stored without loss; there is a loss of energy at each trophic level.