Question

*Please Help* Invertebrates have a higher net production efficiency than mammals. Which statement most likely explains this observation?

A. Invertebrates are more abundant than mammals in an ecosystem.

B. Mammals maintain their body temperature; invertebrates don't.

C. Most mammals are secondary consumers. Most invertebrates are primary consumers.

D. Invertebrates have smaller bodies than mammals.

Answer 1

C. Most mammals are secondary consumers. Most invertebrates are primary consumers.

Step-by-step explanation:

Net production efficiency (NPE) refers to how efficient an organism at one trophic level utilizes and transfers energy to the next trophic level. Ceetain organisms called CONSUMERS obtain energy by feeding on other organisms. They use this energy for their metabolic activities and transfer the rest when eaten or fed on.

As the trophic level increases, the net production efficiency decreases. This is because organisms at the lower level use energy less than those at higher trophic levels. In this question, invertebrates are mostly PRIMARY CONSUMERS (lower trophic level) while mammals are mostly SECONDARY CONSUMERS (higher trophic level). Therefore, invertebrates use energy more efficiently (less) than mammals, making them have a HIGHER net production efficiency than mammals.