Question

the amount of available energy changes between the trophic levels found in a food chain or energy pyramid
photos (left to right) by mehmet karatay, jens buurgaard nielsen, furryscaly, and walter siegmund
how would the amount of available energy differ in the trophic level of the mouse compared to the trophic level of
the hawk?
a. available energy would increase from the mouse to the hawk.
b. available energy would decrease from the mouse to the hawk.
c. available energy would initially increase from the mouse to the hawk, and then decrease
over time.
d. available energy would remain the same from the mouse to the hawk.

Explanation:

In a food chain or energy pyramid, energy transfer follows the 10% rule. As we move up trophic levels, energy decreases. The mouse is at a lower trophic level (primary consumer) compared to the hawk (secondary or higher - level consumer). Energy is lost at each trophic level due to metabolic processes (like respiration), heat loss, and not all biomass being consumed. So, the available energy at the mouse's trophic level is higher than at the hawk's.

Answer:

None of the options are correct as written. But if we assume the intended correct concept - available energy would decrease from the mouse to the hawk. If we consider the options provided, perhaps there was a mis - writing. The general rule is energy decreases with increasing trophic level.