Why is each level of the energy pyramid smaller than the level directly below it?(1 point)
Responses
Because 10% of the energy at each level moves to the next level and some additional energy is converted to heat.
Because 10% of the energy at each level moves to the next level and some additional energy is converted to heat.
Because 90% of the energy is passed on to the next level to be used by the organisms there.
Because 90% of the energy is passed on to the next level to be used by the organisms there.
Because the sizes of each level show that 10% is consumed by organisms at that level.
Because the sizes of each level show that 10% is consumed by organisms at that level.
Because about 10% of the energy is converted to heat when organisms become ill and another 10% when they die.
Because 10% of the energy at each level moves to the next level and some additional energy is converted to heat.
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."
To understand why each level of the energy pyramid is smaller than the level below it, we need to consider the concept of energy transfer in ecosystems.
At the base of the energy pyramid are the autotrophs, such as plants, which are able to produce their own food through photosynthesis. These autotrophs capture energy from the sun and convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose.
When herbivores consume plants, they obtain some of the energy stored in the plant biomass. However, not all of the energy is transferred to the herbivores. Some of the energy is lost as heat during metabolic processes, and some energy is used by the herbivores for growth, reproduction, and other functions.
When carnivores consume herbivores, they obtain some of the energy stored in the herbivore biomass. Again, not all of the energy is transferred to the carnivores. Energy is lost as heat, and some energy is used by the carnivores for various metabolic processes.
This transfer of energy continues as you move up the energy pyramid, with each level receiving only a fraction of the energy from the level below it. Typically, only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next level, while the remaining 90% is lost as heat or used by the organisms at that level. This is known as the 10% rule.
Overall, this energy transfer and loss explains why each level of the energy pyramid is smaller than the level below it.