What is the typical trophic efficiency between successive trophic levels?

• A. 5%
• B. 10%
• C. 20%
• D. 50%

Answer: (B)

When energy moves from one trophic level to the next, most of it is used for metabolism, movement, and heat, so only a small portion is stored in the biomass of the next level. The typical amount transferred is about 10% of the energy at one level, which is why energy pyramids drop sharply as you go up the food chain. While some systems may be a bit lower or higher, 10% is the standard expectation; 5% is unusually low, 20% is relatively high, and 50% would be far too efficient given metabolic losses.