An Energy Pyramid Illustrates ____

Question

An energy pyramid illustrates ____.  
A) the first law of thermodynamics
B) the diminishing of usable energy as it is transferred through an ecosystem
C) that energy can be recycled
D) the biological magnification of materials in an ecosystem
E) the diminishing number of organisms at each trophic level

Accepted Answer

An energy pyramid illustrates the diminishing of usable energy as it is transferred through an ecosystem. This is because energy is lost at each trophic level as it is used for metabolism, growth, and other biological processes. As a result, there is less and less energy available at each successive level, creating a pyramid shape when graphed.