Question

The relationship between the amount of energy available for use and the amount of entropy in a food chain differs between trophic levels. Why would the amount of entropy increase from one trophic level to another in a food chain or energy pyramid?

a.
the available energy from one trophic level to another increases
b.
energy is lost at each level as heat, which increases randomization
c.
the amount of biomass decreases from one trophic level to another
d.
the available energy at each level may either increase or decrease, creating randomization



Please select the best answer from the choices provided


A
B
C
D

Answer 1

B

Energy is lost at each trophic transfer as heat (and metabolic work), increasing disorder (entropy) according to the second law of thermodynamics.