Question

Which of the following best describes energy transformations in ecosystems?
a.
Most energy in a lower trophic level is passed to higher trophic levels.
b.
Heat is not a significant waste product as energy passes between trophic levels.
c.
Most of the energy collected by an organism is not passed on to other organisms.
d.
Tertiary consumers collect the most energy in an ecosystem.

Answer 1

c. Most of the energy collected by an organism is not passed on to other organisms.

Explanation: Energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient (roughly the 10% rule); much energy is used for metabolism and lost as heat, so only a small fraction is available to the next level.