Question

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

• A. Decrease in energy at higher trophic levels
• B. Deficient food supply
• C. Polluted air
• D. Water

Answer 1

The correct option is A Decrease in energy at higher trophic levels

All ecosystems are characterised by two basic features- the unidirectional flow of energy and cycling of materials.

At each trophic level, most of the energy available is utilised for life processes 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, the higher trophic levels have substantially less energy content and the number of trophic levels in a food chain is limited.

So, the correct answer is 'Decrease in energy at higher trophic levels'