There are generally fewer animals at the top of the trophic pyramid than at the bottom. this pattern is related to the loss of energy from one trophic level to the next highest trophic level. approximately 10 % of the energy at one trophic level is transferred to the next trophic level. assuming that 10 % of the total energy at one level is transferred from one trophic level to the next, calculate the percentage of energy that tertiary consumers receive from producers.

According to 10% law, approximately 10 % of the energy at one trophic level is transferred to the next trophic level. So from producers which are mainly green plants who make their food by photosynthesis 10% energy will be transferred to primary consumers(herbivores).

In secondary consumers, according to 10% law, only 1% of energy will be transferred from primary consumers and when tertiary consumer will feed on secondary consumers only 0.1% of energy will remain to be received by tertiary consumers.

Primary consumer = 10% energy, secondary consumer = 1% energy, tertiary consumer = 0.1% energy. Therefore tertiary consumers will receive only 0.1% energy from producers.

the denominator has a very specific role.