Refer to the Figure

Multiple Choice

Refer to the figure. How would the NPP of a three-level food web (left) compare with that of a two-level web (right) and why?

A) The three-level web would have a higher NPP because the extra level requires more primary producers.
B) The three-level web would have a higher NPP because the top level controls the middle level, enabling greater production at the primary producer level.
C) The three-level web would have a lower NPP because it is longer and more consumption takes place.
D) The three-level web would have a lower NPP because it takes more energy to maintain three levels than to maintain two.
E) The two- and three-level webs would have approximately the same NPP because length of the food web does not affect NPP.