Energy pyramids of an ecosystem tend to diminish at higher trophic levels. This is because at each successive trophic level

Options

A. the organisms become smaller
B. energy is stored and therefore, less is passed on to the next level
C. energy is being concentrated fewer and large organisms
D. energy is being lost

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Energy Pyramids**: Energy pyramids illustrate the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem. At the base, we have producers (like plants), followed by primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and so on.

2. **Diminishing Energy at Higher Trophic Levels**: As we move up the energy pyramid from producers to higher trophic levels, the amount of energy available decreases. This is due to the inefficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels.

3. **10% Law of Energy Transfer**: According to the 10% law, only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next level. For example, if producers have 1000 units of energy, primary consumers will only receive about 100 units of energy.

4. **Energy Loss**: The remaining 90% of energy is lost primarily as heat due to metabolic processes, movement, and other life activities. This loss of energy at each level is a key reason why energy pyramids are upright and not inverted.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the statement that energy pyramids diminish at higher trophic levels is primarily because energy is being lost as it moves up the pyramid, leading to less energy available for organisms at higher trophic levels.

**Final Answer**: Energy is being lost.

---