Energy transfer is inefficient between trophic levels because

Question

A. molecules are fully digested from each trophic level
B. organisms within a trophic level are fully consumed
C. dead organisms and waste are recycled throughout the trophic levels
D. all organisms within a trophic level die

Answer 1

Energy transfer is inefficient between trophic levels primarily because of C. dead organisms and waste are recycled throughout the trophic levels.

This reflects that energy is lost at each trophic level due to metabolism, heat production, and the fact that not all parts of an organism are consumed or digested. Hence, energy that could be transferred to the next level is lost in various ways, including through waste and decomposition.