What is the primary reason that supporting herbivores requires less energy than supporting carnivores?

Herbivores are considered more efficient at energy transfer because they occupy a lower trophic level compared to carnivores. In ecological terms, energy from the sun is captured by plants through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food web. When herbivores consume plants, they convert that solar energy into biomass, which is then available for the next trophic level, which consists of carnivores.

In a typical energy transfer process, approximately only 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next. Since herbivores feed directly on producers (plants), the energy loss is less pronounced compared to carnivores that feed on herbivores, leading to a greater overall efficiency in energy usage. Thus, supporting herbivores not only requires less energy to sustain them compared to supporting carnivores but also contributes to a more stable and sustainable ecosystem.

This efficiency is crucial for ecosystem dynamics, as it dictates the amount of energy available at higher trophic levels and affects the overall productivity of the ecosystem.