Multiple Choice Item: 1 point value

Question Overview:This question requires you to select the correct verbal expression of scientific I information and to demonstrate understanding of the concept of directional energy flows within ecosystems. This question simply requires identification of a basic scientific concept.

Answer Rationale:

Option A is incorrect. If you chose option A, you may have focused on the energy pyramid being one unit of energy. However, energy pyramid diagrams demonstrate how energy flows from one level to the next, starting at the bottom level. As you move up the energy pyramid, the amount of energy decreases.

Option B is incorrect. If you chose option B, you may have focused on the fact that the producer level does provide energy indirectly for all of the other levels, since it is the bottom of the energy pyramid. However, the energy pyramid diagram illustrates that energy can only flow directly from one level to the next level.

Option C is incorrect. If you chose option C, you may have focused on the fact that there are 3 consumer levels that each show a transfer of energy. However, the energy transferred at the producer level has to be greater than the energy transferred between each consumer level because without this large amount, there won't be enough energy to transfer as you get to the top of the pyramid.

Option 0 is correct. If you chose option D, you noticed that the shape and structure of the diagram shows that energy is directly transferred from one level to the next, starting from the bottom of the pyramid. Therefore, energy is transferred directly from primary consumers to secondary consumers because they are next to each other on the pyramid.

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