Question

Choose three reasons why less energy is passed from one trophic level to the next.

A.
Energy is stored within organisms.

B.
Energy is stored in the decomposers.

C.
Energy is lost as heat to the environment.

D.
Tertiary consumers use up all of the energy.

E.
All of the energy is used by the primary consumers.

F.
Energy is used by organisms to perform life functions.

Answer 1

B, C, and F.

- B: Some energy goes to decomposers (dead/uneaten material) instead of being passed up.
- C: Much energy is lost as heat (respiration, metabolic processes).
- F: Organisms use energy for life functions (movement, growth, reproduction), so only part becomes biomass available to the next level.