Question

Why is there less biomass at the top of the energy pyramid?(1 point)
Responses

Secondary and tertiary consumers have to consume a lot more food to support themselves, so there are fewer of them.
Secondary and tertiary consumers have to consume a lot more food to support themselves, so there are fewer of them.

Secondary and tertiary consumers live longer, so there are fewer of them because they reproduce more slowly.
Secondary and tertiary consumers live longer, so there are fewer of them because they reproduce more slowly.

Secondary and tertiary consumers have bigger ranges, so there are fewer of them because they each need a lot of space.
Secondary and tertiary consumers have bigger ranges, so there are fewer of them because they each need a lot of space.

Secondary and tertiary consumers are larger, so there are fewer of them.
Secondary and tertiary consumers are larger, so there are fewer of them.

Answer 1

Secondary and tertiary consumers have to consume a lot more food to support themselves, so there are fewer of them.

Explanation: Energy is lost at each trophic transfer (respiration, heat, waste), so only a small fraction (~10%) of the energy passes to the next level. That limits how much biomass can be supported at higher trophic levels.