Question

Ecologists use models to illustrate the cycling of matter and flow of energy within an ecosystem. Stack of four blocks, with the largest block on the bottom of the stack and the smallest on the top. The first and largest box is labeled 100% and is titled "Primary producers." The second box is labeled 10% and is titled "First-level Consumers." The third box is labeled 1% and is titled "Second-level Consumers." The fourth ans smallest box is labeled 0.1% and is titled "Third-level Consumers." Which of the claims below does this model support? Select all the claims that are supported. A. The number of trophic levels is unlimited. B. The number of trophic levels is limited, and typically is less than 10. C. On average, about 10 percent of available energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. D. Among consumers in an ecosystem, first-level consumers have the most available energy. E. The maximum amount of energy in a trophic level is 10,000 Joules.

Answer 1

Step-by- step Explanation:

• Since the percentge is gradually decreasing a point will come when it will be Zero. Therefore number of trophic level is limited and typically less than 10.
• If we properly look at the pattern 100%>10%>1%>0.1%. We observe that, only ten  percent of available energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.
• Now, if we look at the structure of the model, The box representing the primary consumer is larger than the boxes representing other consumers Thus, we can conclude that, Among the consumers in the ecosystem, first level consumer have the most available energy.

Thus , sclaims B,C and D supported by the model.