Question

Which food chain would require more ears of corn to support 1000 humans? Explain your reasoning.

a) Short food chain with primary consumers only.
b) Long food chain with multiple trophic levels.
c) Both food chains require the same amount of corn.
d) Food chain length has no impact on corn consumption.

Answer 1

The food chain with primary consumers only would require more ears of corn to support 1000 humans compared to the long food chain with multiple trophic levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this case, the food chain with primary consumers only (option a) would require more ears of corn to support 1000 humans compared to the long food chain with multiple trophic levels (option b). This is because as we move up the food chain, there is a loss of energy and efficiency. Each trophic level requires more energy to sustain, so the higher up in the food chain we go, the more corn would be needed to support 1000 humans.