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

question 20

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 because of the second law of thermodynamics.
• C) as matter passes through ecosystems, some of it is lost to the environment.
• D) the accumulation of toxic materials in tissues of animals 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:

Ionic Bond

Chemical bond formed because of the attraction of two oppositely charged ions, such as by the loaning of one or more electrons from one ion to another.

Periodic Table

A tabular arrangement of the chemical elements, organized by their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.

Electronegativity

A chemical property that describes the ability of an atom to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.

Atomic Number

The number of protons in an atom.