# Explain why eating food from higher trophic levels is less efficient for feeding large human populations than eating food from lower trophic levels.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.7.5 Food production (Bio only) · Explain · 4 marks

> Global food security is an increasing concern. Scientists suggest that humans eating more plant-based diets could help feed more people worldwide.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Biomass is lost at each trophic level
2. Biomass is lost through respiration / movement / heat
3. So less biomass is available at higher trophic levels (e.g. animals) compared to producers / plants
4. Therefore eating plants / producers directly means more biomass is available to feed more people

## Key terms

- [trophic level](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/trophic-level)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-eating-food-from-higher-3c484509) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.