Final answer:
When an organism takes in nutrients in proportions that differ from its needs, the organism's assimilation efficiency decreases.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an organism takes in nutrients in proportions that differ from its needs, the organism's assimilation efficiency decreases. Assimilation efficiency refers to the ability of the organism to absorb and utilize nutrients effectively. If the proportions of nutrients are not balanced, the organism may struggle to efficiently break down and absorb the nutrients, resulting in decreased assimilation efficiency.