Question

Which of the following BEST describes the flow of energy through a food chain?

A. Energy flows between primary producers and consumers, in either direction.
B. Energy flows from consumers to primary producers, in one direction only.
C. Energy flows from primary producers to consumers, in one direction only.
D. Energy flows between primary producers and consumers, in an endless cycle.

Answer 1

C

Energy in a food chain moves one-way: producers (plants, algae) capture solar energy and pass it to consumers when eaten. Energy is lost as heat at each transfer, so it does not cycle back to producers.