Question

In a food chain, only about 10 percent of what passes to the next level?

Answer 1

energy

At each level of a food chain, a lot of energy is lost. Only about 10 percent of the energy passes to the next level. Where does that energy go? Some energy is given off as heat. Some energy goes into animal wastes. Energy also goes into growing things that another consumer can't eat, like fur. It's because so much energy is lost that most food chains have just a few levels. Theres not enough energy left for higher levels.