Question

why are there large no. of individuals t the lower trophic level

Answer 1

Lower trophic levels have larger number of individuals than higher trophic level in order to provide sufficient amount of energy to the organisms at higher trophic level. As we know very less amount of energy passes from one trophic level to another due to losses in the form of metabolic reactions. According to 10% law of energy transfer, only 10% of energy passes from one trophic level to next.Thus, the amount of energy decreases with successive trophic levels. So, to compensate this loss, organisms at higher trophic level consume more number of individuals at lower trophic level.