QuestionJune 1, 2025

-How is energy transferred as it flows through the trophic levels in a food chain or a food web?

-How is energy transferred as it flows through the trophic levels in a food chain or a food web?
-How is energy transferred as it flows through the trophic levels in a food chain or a food web?

Solution
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Answer

Energy flows from producers to various consumer levels with approximately 10% efficiency at each step. Explanation 1. Identify Energy Source Energy originates from the sun and is captured by producers (plants) through photosynthesis. 2. Energy Transfer to Primary Consumers Herbivores (primary consumers) eat plants, transferring energy stored in plant biomass to themselves. 3. Energy Transfer to Secondary Consumers Carnivores or omnivores (secondary consumers) consume herbivores, transferring energy further up the chain. 4. Energy Transfer to Tertiary Consumers Higher-level carnivores (tertiary consumers) eat secondary consumers, continuing the energy transfer. 5. Energy Loss at Each Level At each trophic level, energy is lost as heat due to metabolic processes. Typically, only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next level (**10% Rule**).

Explanation

1. Identify Energy Source<br /> Energy originates from the sun and is captured by producers (plants) through photosynthesis.<br /><br />2. Energy Transfer to Primary Consumers<br /> Herbivores (primary consumers) eat plants, transferring energy stored in plant biomass to themselves.<br /><br />3. Energy Transfer to Secondary Consumers<br /> Carnivores or omnivores (secondary consumers) consume herbivores, transferring energy further up the chain.<br /><br />4. Energy Transfer to Tertiary Consumers<br /> Higher-level carnivores (tertiary consumers) eat secondary consumers, continuing the energy transfer.<br /><br />5. Energy Loss at Each Level<br /> At each trophic level, energy is lost as heat due to metabolic processes. Typically, only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next level (**10% Rule**).
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