Question

In 1-2 sentences, explain why there are so many less individual organisms at the level labeled "5" than there are at the level labeled "1." Your explanation should include how energy flow affects the number of organisms at each level.

Answer 1

There are far fewer organisms at level 5 than at level 1 because as energy flows up trophic levels much of it is lost as heat and used in metabolism, so only a small fraction (roughly 10% per step) is passed on. With far less available energy at higher levels, fewer individuals can be supported.