Question

In the given figure, the various trophic levels are shown in a pyramid. At which trophic level is maximum energy available?

• A. $T_4$
• B. $T_2$
• C. $T_1$
• D. $T_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $T_1$

All ecosystems are characterised by a unidirectional flow of energy. At each trophic level, most of the energy available is utilised for respiration and excretion and only ten percent of the available energy is passed on to the next level. Because only ten percent of the available energy can be passed on to the next trophic level, higher trophic levels have substantially less energy content and the number of trophic levels in a food chain is limited. The lower the trophic level higher will be energy content. Hence, the greatest amount of energy is expected in trophic level T1.

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.