Explain why the number of organisms decreases along the food chain.

Not all energy is transferred between different levels of the food chain due to not all the organisms being consumed, often not the entire organism is eaten either, leaving behind energy in the hair/fur, teeth, and bones of the prey. Furthermore energy is lost through respiration and by movement. Energy is also lost in the form of undigested nutrients in faeces and urine and therefore predators cannot consume enough energy to sustain as large populations as their prey.

JG
Answered by James G. Biology tutor

13243 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe how water moves from roots to the leaves.


Tom and Lesley are married and have a child, Sally, who has Cystic Fibrosis. Lesley has just found out she is pregnant, so what is the probability that the baby will have the condition?


What is the purpose of mitochondria in the cell?


How does the body respond to an increase or decrease in temperature to maintain homeostasis? Why is this important?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences