Why Are Food Chains Relatively Short

question 62

Multiple Choice

Why are food chains relatively short?

• A) Top-level feeders tend to be more numerous than lower-trophic-level species.
• B) Top-level feeders tend to be small but are capable of conserving more energy.
• C) Longer chains are less stable and energy transfer between levels is inefficient.
• D) There are only so many organisms that are adapted to feed on other types of organisms.
• E) Food chain length is ultimately determined by the photosynthetic efficiency of producers.

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Definitions:

Contribution Margin

The difference between the sales revenue of a product and the variable costs associated with producing it, used to cover fixed costs and contribute to profit.

Variable Costing

An accounting method that only includes variable production costs—costs that change with production volume—in the cost of goods sold.

Fixed Costs

Expenses that do not change with the level of goods or services produced by a business within a certain range of activity.

Cost of Goods Manufactured

The total production cost of goods completed during a specific period, including materials, labor, and overhead.