Question

which of the following best describes how the amount of energy changes as it flows from one trophic level to the next in the marine food web shown below? image: marine food web (phytoplankton, zooplankton, krill, fish, squid, penguin, seal, sea birds) energy increases as it is transferred from penguins to seals, since seals are larger than penguins. energy decreases as it is transferred from fish to squid, since fish are producers and squid are consumers. when krill consume phytoplankton, about 90 percent of the phytoplankton’s energy is transferred to the krill. when sea birds consume fish, about 10 percent of the fish’s energy is transferred to the sea birds.

Explanation:

• First option: Energy decreases (not increases) between trophic levels due to energy loss (respiration, waste), size doesn't determine energy flow.
• Second option: Fish are consumers (not producers; producers are phytoplankton), so this reasoning is wrong.
• Third option: Only ~10% of energy is transferred between trophic levels (90% is lost), so 90% transfer is incorrect.
• Fourth option: In a food chain, ~10% of energy from one trophic level is passed to the next (e.g., fish to sea birds), matching energy transfer rules.

Answer:

When sea birds consume fish, about 10 percent of the fish's energy is transferred to the sea birds.