Generally, food chains are short because of

Generally, food chains are short because of

  1. energy losses at each trophic level ✓
  2. the activity of decomposers
  3. the activity of consumers
  4. nutrient cycling

Explanation

Upper course: steep gradient, V-shaped valleys, waterfalls, rapids, vertical erosion. Energy used for erosion, little deposition.

Middle course: wider valley, meanders begin, floodplain develops, lateral erosion. Balance of erosion and deposition.

Lower course: wide floodplain, large meanders, oxbow lakes, deltas, levees. Mostly deposition. River slows as gradient decreases and load increases.