Question

the figure shows an energy pyramid for an ecosystem. what happens to the amount of energy in the pyramid as it moves up through the different levels? a it increases by a factor of about 10%. b it decreases by a factor of about 90%. c it increases by a factor of about 90%. d it decreases by a factor of about 10%.

Explanation:

An energy pyramid illustrates energy transfer between trophic levels. Only ~10% of energy moves up to the next level; ~90% is lost as heat/used for metabolism. Thus, energy decreases by ~90% per level.

Answer:

B. It decreases by a factor of about 90%