SSC Selection Post 2022 PYQ — Question 42

The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Trophic level-1 has maximum energy.

• Trophic level-1 consists of producers (plants and algae) that capture solar energy. They form the base of the food chain and have the highest energy content.
• The highest amount of energy is found at the first trophic level, which consists of producers.
• As energy moves up the food chain, it decreases significantly. Only about 10% of the light energy captured by producers through photosynthesis is converted into chemical energy, and just 10% of that energy is passed on to the next trophic level.
• The first trophic level also supports the largest number of organisms, as producers like trees and shrubs provide the primary source of food and energy for herbivores, such as giraffes.