Which of the following describes how the amount of available energy changes from one trophic level to another? a) available energy increases as trophic levels increase. b) available energy decreases as trophic levels increase. c) available energy increases from producers to primary consumers, and then decreases. d) available energy remains the same from one trophic level to the next. e) available energy decreases as trophic levels decrease.

Nice Question. Will try my best to explain it.

Best description that fits our bill and the definite criteria is obvious; B) Available energy decreases as trophic levels increase.

A straightforward explanation to support this statement without showing ambiguity is:

When we increase our trophic levels in a food chain, food web and any other food pyramid, take as Pyramid of Energy. The increase in energy is observed directly from. the source, that is; Our Main Star, Sun.

Sun, is the main source for sending and giving it light to perform photosynthesis by the help of plants, the plants in turn attain a total amount of energy as "100% energy" assuming no loss from the start of the producers. We will get 100 percent energy from the very start of the food chain (or, The Energy Pyramid).

As we move up the chain into interconnected species which are showing more dependency on their preys. We find that, the amount of energy decreases.

As per my knowledge goes, in simple terms, we call it as "10 percent energy dissipation" or simply said "energy loss". This happenings are due to life processes shown by the producers themselves. Energy created by producers as 100 percent (likely less than that as, they perform many functions), will further on reduce as many organisms show "Life processes".

Keeping it more simple; Life processes are functioning done within the organism's bodies in a orderly way, to conserve the energy and keep their system well-oiled and running; basically to keep them alive. Every living organism exhibits the life processes and "extracts the given energy" from the "Source they have attained".

So, the option will forever remain as, B).

Hope it helps.