Question 39
Feeding Relationships and Energy FlowFood chains are relatively short because
- A.of energy recycling in the ecosystem.
- B.energy gain at each trophic level is high.
- C.of energy loss at each trophic level.
- D.energy flow in an ecosystem is uni-directional.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C (of energy loss at each trophic level.)
Explanation
About 90% of energy is lost at each level (respiration, heat, waste), so after a few links too little is left to support another level.