WVGSA Grade 5 Science Practice Questions - West Virginia General Summative Assessment Grade 5 Science Exam

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In an ecosystem energy pyramid: Producers (10,000 units) -> Primary Consumers (1,000 units) -> Secondary Consumers (100 units) -> Tertiary Consumers (10 units). Why does available energy decrease significantly at each higher trophic level?

Organisms at higher levels destroy energy when sleeping. Most energy consumed is used for life processes (respiration, movement, heat loss) or lost as waste, leaving only ~10% stored to pass to the next level. Decomposers consume 90% of living animals before predators catch them. Producers absorb energy from top predators at night.

Correct Answer:

Most energy consumed is used for life processes (respiration, movement, heat loss) or lost as waste, leaving only ~10% stored to pass to the next level.

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