What factors reduce the amount of energy available to a higher order of consumers?

The amount of energy available to higher-order consumers is reduced primarily due to energy loss at each trophic level, as described by the 10% rule, where only about 10% of the energy from one level is transferred to the next. Energy is lost through metabolic processes, heat, and waste, which means that higher-order consumers receive significantly less energy than primary producers. Additionally, factors such as ecosystem efficiency, energy storage, and the availability of food resources further limit the energy accessible to these consumers. As a result, higher trophic levels tend to support fewer individuals compared to lower levels.