Explain why the number of organisms decreases along the food chain.

Not all energy is transferred between different levels of the food chain due to not all the organisms being consumed, often not the entire organism is eaten either, leaving behind energy in the hair/fur, teeth, and bones of the prey. Furthermore energy is lost through respiration and by movement. Energy is also lost in the form of undigested nutrients in faeces and urine and therefore predators cannot consume enough energy to sustain as large populations as their prey.

Answered by James G. Biology tutor

12731 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What is the role of the myelin sheath in the transmission of electric impulses in the nervous system?


How does a neuron transmit a signal across a synapse?


How does the structure of the red blood cell allow it to carry out its functions?


How are action potentials transmitted?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences