Energy transfer between trophic levels in an ecosystem is notably inefficient, with only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level being passed on to the next level. The remaining approximately 90% of energy is lost primarily through metabolic processes such as respiration, heat production, waste, and non-consumed parts of organisms

. Key points about energy transfer between trophic levels:

• Typical transfer efficiency: On average, only around 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next. This is known as the "ten percent law"

• Energy loss causes: Energy is lost as heat during cellular respiration, used for life processes like movement, or lost in waste and uneaten parts of organisms

• Effect on food chains: Due to this low efficiency, food chains usually have only 4 to 6 trophic levels because insufficient energy remains to support higher levels

• Variation: Ecological efficiency can vary between 5% and 20% depending on the ecosystem and species involved

• Energy pyramids: This pattern creates energy pyramids where the base (producers) has the most energy, and energy decreases sharply at higher trophic levels (primary consumers, secondary consumers, etc.)

In summary, energy transfer between trophic levels is about 10% efficient, with the majority of energy lost as heat and through biological processes, limiting the length and complexity of food chains in ecosystems.