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:

The energy pyramid illustrates the 10% rule: only ~10% of energy transfers between trophic levels. Thus, ~90% is lost (as heat/metabolism), so energy decreases by ~90% moving up.

Answer:

B. It decreases by a factor of about 90%