How much energy is typically lost with each transfer through trophic levels?

The concept of energy transfer between trophic levels is based on the idea that energy is lost at each stage due to various biological processes. Typically, around 90% of the energy is lost as it is transferred from one trophic level to the next. This loss occurs due to factors such as metabolic processes, heat production, and inefficiencies in energy conversion when organisms consume and digest food.

As a result, only about 10% of the energy from one level is typically available for the next level. For instance, if a primary producer gathers 1000 units of energy from the sun, then approximately 100 units of energy would be available for herbivores that consume these producers. Hence, the concept of energy loss explains why the correct answer is that around 10% of energy is retained as it moves through different trophic levels, which is a fundamental principle in ecology known as the 10% Rule.