Which of the Following Is Primarily Responsible for Limiting the Number

question 64

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is primarily responsible for limiting the number of trophic levels in most ecosystems?

• A) Many primary and higher-order consumers are opportunistic feeders.
• B) Decomposers compete with higher-order consumers for nutrients and energy.
• C) Nutrient cycles involve both abiotic and biotic components of ecosystems.
• D) Nutrient cycling rates tend to be limited by decomposition.
• E) Energy transfer between trophic levels is almost always less than 20% efficient.

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Definitions:

Substitution Effect

A concept in economics describing the change in consumption resulting from a change in the price of one good relative to the price of other goods.

Giffen Goods

A type of good for which demand increases as the price increases, and falls when the price decreases, violating the basic law of demand in economics.

Law of Demand

A fundamental principle stating that all else being equal, as the price of a good increases, the quantity demanded of that good decreases, and vice versa.

Marginal Utilities

The additional satisfaction or utility that a person receives from consuming an additional unit of a good or service.