Question

biology 1 eoc assessment sample questions 1. a team of ecologists observed feeding patterns of several populations desert. the energy pyramid shown below depicts the feeding patterns ecologists observed. desert energy pyramid fourth trophic level birds of prey third trophic level snakes small birds second trophic level small mammals insects first trophic level cacti flowering shrubs desert trees which of the following best explains the difference in the amount of available energy in the trophic levels of the desert ecosystem? a there is less energy available in the producers because their tissues are less dense than those at higher trophic levels. b there is more energy available in the second trophic level because less energy is needed for hunting compared to the higher trophic levels. c there is more available energy in the birds of prey because they have greater muscle mass for storing energy than organisms in lower trophic levels have. d there is less available energy in the fourth trophic level because of the loss of energy through metabolism in each of the lower trophic levels.

Explanation:

In an ecosystem's energy pyramid, energy is lost as heat and through metabolic processes at each trophic - level transfer. Producers (first trophic level) capture energy from the sun. As energy moves up the trophic levels, a significant amount is used for metabolism by organisms in each level, leaving less available energy for the next level. So, the higher the trophic level, the less available energy.

Answer:

D. There is less available energy in the fourth trophic level because of the loss of energy through metabolism in each of the lower trophic levels.