Food chains show energy transfer between organisms. The size of a food chain can vary, yet there is a limit to the number of levels that a food chain can reach. Why is there a limit to the number of levels that a food chain can reach?
Answer
A
Carnivores are too large to be eaten.
B
Plants are not infinite in number.
C
Energy is lost at each trophic level.
D
Producers are limited by consumers.
Explanation
Only some of the energy at one trophic level is passed on to the next; much is used by organisms or lost as heat. As energy decreases at each transfer, eventually there is not enough available to support another level. Therefore, energy is lost at each trophic level.
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