Some energy gets stored in molecules that most consumers cannot break down. For example, most carnivores cannot access energy tied up in bones, scales, hair, feathers, or fur. What effect does this have on energy transfer in an ecosystem?
A)More energy is lost through heat by the energy needed for digestion.
B)The transfer of energy between trophic levels is efficient.
C)There is an increased need for many trophic levels.
D)Only a small percent of the energy is passed from one trophic level to the next.
E)Second-level consumers do not require as much energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that some energy gets stored in molecules that most consumers cannot break down means that only a small percentage of the energy is passed from one trophic level to the next. This is because energy is lost as it moves up the food chain due to things like heat loss and the energy needed for digestion. So, with the extra energy that cannot be accessed by carnivores, even less energy is being passed up to higher trophic levels, making the transfer of energy between trophic levels highly inefficient.

Some Energy Gets Stored in Molecules That Most Consumers Cannot