Question

Food chains generally consist of only three or four steps because:

• A. Only four trophic levels can be formed
• B. All organisms are covered in these steps
• C. Very little usable energy is left after fourth step
• D. The food chain will break down

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Very little usable energy is left after fourth step

Plants are able to trap only 1% of energy when sunlight falls on them. As the amount of usable energy is quite low and also 10% of it is available to pass on further (next trophic level).