Energy flows from producers to consumers, as shown in food chains and food webs. Only about 10% of that energy is transferred when a consumer eats.

Question

What happens to the remainder of the energy that does not get transferred? (Write 1-2 sentences for full credit)

(3 points)

Answer 1

The remainder of the energy that does not get transferred is lost primarily as heat through metabolic processes, such as respiration and digestion. Additionally, some energy is expended in activities like movement and maintaining body temperature, while undigested materials are also not converted into biomass and are lost as waste.