Food chains show energy transfer between organisms. The size of a food chain can vary, yet there is a limit to the number of levels that a food chain can reach. Why is there a limit to the number of levels that a food chain can reach?
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Answer:
A food chain is a linear sequence of transfer of energy when one organism is being eaten by another organism in an ecosystem. The transfer of energy can be explained by 10% law which states that energy decreases by 10% as it is being transferred from lower to subsequent higher trophic level. There is a limit to the number of levels that a food chain can reach this is because of the following reasons:
1. A significant amount of energy is lost due to the fact that organisms undergoes cellular respiration. This lost energy cannot be reverted back. Hence, limits the amount of energy being transferred to the higher trophic levels.
2. Some of the undigested waste is excreted by the organisms. This waste being the part of biomass gets lost in the environment, which again limit the amount of overall energy being transmitted to the higher trophic levels.
3. Not all organisms are consumed by other organisms belonging to the distinct trophic levels. Some of them may not survive or die.