Question

how does the 10% rule influence the distribution of energy in a food chain? energy increases at each trophic level. energy decreases at each trophic level. energy remains constant at all trophic levels.

Explanation:

The 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next. This means as you move up a food chain (from producers to primary consumers to secondary consumers, etc.), the amount of energy available at each successive trophic level is less. For example, if plants (producers) have 1000 units of energy, primary consumers (herbivores) that eat the plants will only get about 100 units (10% of 1000) of that energy. Then secondary consumers (carnivores that eat the herbivores) will get about 10 units (10% of 100) of energy. So energy decreases at each trophic level, which is why option B is correct.

Answer:

B. Energy decreases at each trophic level.