4 points
A team of ecologists observed feeding patterns of several populations in
the desert. The energy pyramid shown below, Desert Energy Pyramid
depicts the feeding patterns the ecologist observed. Which of the
following best explains the difference in the amount of available energy in
the tropic levels of the desert ecosystem? *
DESERT ENERGY PYRAMID
There is more available energy in the birds of prey because they have greater muscle
mass for storing energy than organisms in lower trophic levels have
There is more energy available in the second tropic level because less energy is
needed for hunting compared to the higher trophic levels
There is less available energy in the fourth tropic level because of the loss of energy
through metabolism in each of the lower trophic levels.
There is less energy available in the producers because their tissues are less dense
than those at higher trophic levels.