Why are there typically only a few trophic levels in ecosystems?

Why are there typically only a few trophic levels in ecosystems?

• A. Because energy increases at higher trophic levels.
• B. Because producers dominate and energy transfer is maximal.
• C. Because only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level, the rest is lost as heat or used for metabolism, limiting the number of trophic levels.
• D. Because energy is stored indefinitely at each level.

Answer: (C)