As energy transfers from the mouse to the snake, the amount of usable energy increases, changes randomly, decreases, or stays the same.

Understand the Problem

The question is asking for the correct term to complete a sentence about energy transfer between organisms, specifically from a mouse to a snake. We need to determine how usable energy changes during this transfer.

More Information

When energy transfers from one trophic level to another, such as from mouse to snake, some energy is lost as heat according to the second law of thermodynamics. Thus, less usable energy is available at each higher trophic level.

Tips

A common mistake is thinking energy remains the same, but energy is lost as heat.

Sources

• 6.1.1.4: Food Chains and Food Webs - Biology LibreTexts - bio.libretexts.org
• Energy in ecosystems – The Ecosphere and Environmental Issues - viva.pressbooks.pub