Question

A food chain will be more advantageous in terms of energy if it has

• A. 2 trophic levels
• B. 3 trophic levels
• C. 4 trophic levels
• D. 5 trophic levels

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the concept of a food chain:
A food chain represents the flow of energy through an ecosystem, starting from producers (plants) and moving through various levels of consumers (herbivores, carnivores, etc.). Each level in the food chain is referred to as a trophic level.

Step 2: Energy Efficiency in Food Chains:
In an energy pyramid, each trophic level only passes about 10% of the energy it receives to the next level. This is due to energy losses in the form of heat, respiration, and waste. Therefore, shorter food chains are generally more energy-efficient because less energy is lost at each trophic level.

Step 3: Why 3 Trophic Levels are More Advantageous:
A food chain with 3 trophic levels (e.g., producer → primary consumer → secondary consumer) is more energy-efficient than one with more levels. With each additional trophic level, more energy is lost, making the energy available for higher trophic levels significantly lower. In a food chain with only 3 levels, more energy is retained at each level, making it more advantageous for supporting the organisms within the ecosystem.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The most advantageous food chain in terms of energy is one with 3 trophic levels, as it minimizes energy loss and supports a more efficient transfer of energy through the ecosystem.