Energy transfer through trophic levels Flashcards – Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Biology (1BI0) (Higher)

How does uneaten biomass limit energy transfer to the next trophic level?

Not all organisms or parts of organisms are eaten, so their energy does not reach the next consumer.

How does egestion limit energy transfer to the next trophic level?

Some eaten material is not digested and is egested.

How does respiration limit energy transfer to the next consumer?

Organisms use energy in respiration, transferring energy to the surroundings as heat.

Where may energy in dead material and waste go instead of to the next level of a food chain?

To decomposers.

Why do food chains usually have fewer than five trophic levels?

Less energy is available at each successive level, eventually leaving too little to support another consumer level.