Trophic level transfer efficiency (TLTE)

Definition

Trophic level transfer efficiency (TLTE) measures the efficiency with which energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem. It is typically expressed as a percentage and reflects the energy loss that occurs at each step in the food chain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. TLTE generally ranges between 5% to 20%, with most ecosystems averaging around 10%.
2. Energy lost at each trophic level is due to factors such as metabolic processes, heat loss, and waste.
3. The low TLTE limits the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem since only a fraction of energy is transferred up each level.
4. Primary producers have the highest amount of available energy, while top predators have the least due to cumulative losses.
5. Understanding TLTE helps explain why biomass pyramids typically decrease in size as they ascend trophic levels.

Review Questions

• What percentage range does trophic level transfer efficiency usually fall within?
• Why does energy decrease at each successive trophic level?
• How does TLTE impact the structure and number of trophic levels in an ecosystem?

Related terms

Primary Producers: Organisms that produce biomass from inorganic compounds through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Biomass Pyramid: A graphical representation showing the relative mass of different trophic levels within an ecosystem.

Metabolic Processes: Biological activities that convert food into energy and waste products in organisms.