The model illustrates different trophic levels.

Which statement describes the flow of energy and matter through the terrestrial ecosystem?

a
Energy is gained by organisms at higher levels as they consume other organisms, which causes hawks to be larger than frogs.
b
Energy is gained by producers from soil nutrients, which causes there to be more frogs than herbivore insects.
c
Energy is lost to the environment when organisms die, which causes there to be a larger number of plants due to consuming dead organisms.
d
Energy is lost as heat as it moves up the pyramid from the bottom, which causes there to be fewer hawks than plants.

choose the correct answer

d) Energy is lost as heat as it moves up the pyramid from the bottom, which causes there to be fewer hawks than plants.