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Question

Which of the following limits the number of trophic levels in a food chain?


A

Decrease in energy at higher trophic levels

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B

Sufficient food supply

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C

Polluted air

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D

Water

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Solution

The correct option is A

Decrease in energy at higher trophic levels


The correct option is A.

The explanation for the correct option:

  1. When energy passes from one trophic level to the next one, only 10 percent of it will pass this is referred to as the 10% rule.
  2. By the 10% rule, the energy available at a given trophic level is 10 times lesser than the energy present in the previous trophic level.
  3. By reaching the fourth trophic level a few amounts of energy reach the producer.

The explanation for the incorrect options:

Option B

  1. As one eats the other in the moving trophic levels of a food chain the supply of food is sufficient.
  2. So, it cannot limit the number of trophic levels in a food chain.

Option C

  1. Polluted air will not affect a particular trophic level rather it is the same for all in the food chain.
  2. So polluted air will not restrict the number of trophic levels in a food chain.

Option D

  1. Water supply can restrict the number of organisms at a trophic level.
  2. But it cannot affect the number of trophic levels.

Final answer: A decrease in energy at a higher trophic level can limit the number of trophic levels in a food chain.


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