The energetic hypothesis and dynamic stability hypothesis are explanations to account for
A)plant defenses against herbivores.
B)the length of food chains.
C)the evolution of mutualism.
D)resource partitioning.
E)the competitive exclusion principle.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The energetic hypothesis and dynamic stability hypothesis are both used to explain the length of food chains in ecosystems. The energetic hypothesis suggests that longer food chains are less efficient and result in less energy being transferred between trophic levels. The dynamic stability hypothesis suggests that longer food chains are less stable and more susceptible to disruption from environmental perturbations.

The Energetic Hypothesis and Dynamic Stability Hypothesis Are Explanations to Account