Why are there so few organisms at the top of the energy pyramid?

Answer 1

Look at it this way: organisms in the second tropic level, that are filter feeders, feed on organisms is the first tropic level, made up of single-celled phytoplankton, algae and some seagrasses. These second tropic organisms need a lot of these tiny organisms to survive. The organisms in the third tropic level (first order carnivores) feed on the second tropic organisms, and since second tropic organisms are pretty big and have the energy of countless microorganisms stored in them, these first order carnivores do not need a a great number of these second tropic organisms to survive. In these processes of feeding, a lot of this energy is lost in movement, growth, excretion, etc. When finally Second order carnivores feed on the first order ones, only a little of the energy within the first tropic organisms is left, since thousands of organisms have grown, excreted, moved, etc, using that energy. Also, organisms at the top of the energy pyramid feed on relatively lesser numbers of prey. Think this way: a small fish may consume millions of microorganisms altogether, but is it possible for humans to consume even 1000 fishes in one go? Owing to this, we are at the very top of the energy pyramid.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

There are fewer organisms on the top of the energy pyramid because there are few animals that are capable of consuming a lot of energy.

Answer 3

Top carnivours are large and require large amounts of food. Look for food webs and Biological tithe. The larger the animal the more energy is wasted before they get the nourishment they require so they have to consume more of the smaller ones. It is best that you read this for your self as it can be difficult to explain.

Answer 4

Because there is a limit to the high energy food required for the top predators.

Answer 5

What is an energy pyramid ?

Answer 6

Becasue if you think about it, most animals get eaten by something, only those that don't are at the top.