For Most Terrestrial Ecosystems, Pyramids Composed of Species Abundances, Biomass

question 10

Multiple Choice

For most terrestrial ecosystems, pyramids composed of species abundances, biomass, and energy are similar in that they have a broad base and a narrow top. The primary reason for this pattern is that ________.

• A) secondary consumers and top carnivores require less energy than producers
• B) at each step, energy is lost from the system
• C) as matter passes through ecosystems, some of it is lost to the environment
• D) biomagnification of toxic materials limits the secondary consumers and top carnivores
• E) top carnivores and secondary consumers have a more general diet than primary producers

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Definitions:

Renal Vein

A blood vessel that carries filtered blood away from the kidney and back toward the heart.

Ulnar Vein

A vein located in the forearm that drains blood from the hand and forearm back towards the heart, part of the superficial venous system of the arm.

Aortic Arch

The aortic arch is the curved portion of the aorta, the major artery in the body, which branches out to supply blood to the head, neck, and arms.

Subclavian Artery

A major artery that supplies blood to the thorax, neck, and arms, located below the clavicle.