Question

Why can the pyramid of energy never be inverted?

Options

• A large standing crop of zooplankton supports phytoplankton.

• Producers are always less numerous than herbivores.

• When energy flows from one trophic level to the next, only 10% passes on as net energy.

• Saprophytes are included at every trophic level.

Answer 1

Only 10% of energy is transferred as net energy to the next trophic level. Therefore, energy decreases upward and the energy pyramid remains upright.