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This phenomenon is due to the inefficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels. As energy moves up the food chain, a significant amount of energy is lost through metabolic processes and heat production. For example, only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next level. This means that there is not enough energy available to support a large number of top-level consumers in an ecosystem.
Plants play a crucial role in supporting ecosystems by capturing solar energy through photosynthesis and converting it into chemical energy. This energy is then passed on to herbivores when they feed on plants. Since plants are at the base of the food chain, they have access to the most energy and are able to support a larger population than higher trophic levels.
In addition, plants are constantly producing new biomass through photosynthesis, providing a continuous source of energy for consumers in an ecosystem. This allows for a more stable and sustainable food web, with a larger number of producers supporting a smaller number of consumers at higher trophic levels.