Why is each level of the energy pyramid smaller than the level directly below it?(1 point)%0D%0AResponses%0D%0A%0D%0ABecause about 10% of the energy is converted to heat when organisms become ill and another 10% when they die.%0D%0ABecause about 10% of the energy is converted to heat when organisms become ill and another 10% when they die.%0D%0A%0D%0ABecause 10% of the energy at each level moves to the next level and some additional energy is converted to heat.%0D%0ABecause 10% of the energy at each level moves to the next level and some additional energy is converted to heat.%0D%0A%0D%0ABecause 90% of the energy is passed on to the next level to be used by the organisms there. %0D%0ABecause 90% of the energy is passed on to the next level to be used by the organisms there. %0D%0A%0D%0ABecause the sizes of each level show that 10% is consumed by organisms at that level.
The correct answer is:
Because 10% of the energy at each level moves to the next level and some additional energy is converted to heat.
The correct answer is: "Because 10% of the energy at each level moves to the next level and some additional energy is converted to heat."
Each level of the energy pyramid is smaller than the level directly below it because energy is lost as it moves up the pyramid. At each level, organisms consume energy by feeding on lower-level organisms. However, only about 10% of the energy is transferred to the next level, while the rest is lost as heat during metabolic processes or used by the organism for self-maintenance and growth. This 10% energy transfer is known as the 10% rule. Therefore, as you move up the energy pyramid, the available energy decreases, resulting in smaller energy levels at higher trophic levels.