Question

1. explain why populations of top carnivores, such as lions, are always smaller than the populations of herbivores such as grasshoppers or omnivores like warthogs
2. the word \trophic\ refers to feeding or nutrition, therefore, each level in the pyramid of energy is a trophic level. there can be many species in one level.

a. list 3 other species that would be in the same trophic level as the grasshopper.

Explanation:

In an ecosystem, energy transfer follows the 10% - law. Herbivores (like grasshoppers) get energy from producers (plants). Carnivores (like lions) get energy from herbivores. Since only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level, top - carnivores have less energy available. Fewer energy resources mean smaller population size compared to herbivores which have more energy from producers.

Answer:

Populations of top carnivores are smaller than herbivores because of energy transfer inefficiency (10% - law). Herbivores have more energy (from producers) than carnivores (which get energy from herbivores).