What is the term for each step in the transfer of energy and matter within a food web?

• A. Biomass
• B. Ecological niche
• C. Population
• D. Trophic level

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of a food web: A food web represents the interconnected feeding relationships within an ecosystem, showing how energy and matter flow between organisms.
2. Learn the definition of 'trophic level': A trophic level refers to each step in the transfer of energy and matter within a food web, categorizing organisms based on their feeding position (e.g., producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, etc.).
3. Differentiate between the given terms: Biomass refers to the total mass of living organisms in a given area, ecological niche describes the role and position of an organism in its environment, and population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area.
4. Recognize that 'trophic level' is the correct term because it specifically describes the hierarchical steps in energy transfer within a food web.
5. Apply this understanding to analyze food webs: Identify the trophic levels (producers, herbivores, carnivores, etc.) and trace the flow of energy and matter through the ecosystem.