Why is the energy transfer between trophic levels not even close to 100% efficient

the cladogram shown here shows similarities and differences among several classes of vertebrates. anatomically, the four have limb structure as their common ancestor. we might separate the mammals from the other three classes because they a) divergent; do not lay eggs b) identical; are warm-blooded c) varied; a four chambered heart d) homologous; have mammary glands

before, trains worked using the steam engine. thus, it uses heat so it is crucial to apply heat balance. the steam engine absorbs energy during the stage of boiling water. so, this is the endothermic reaction. when the steam is used to work the piston, it has to release this energy through running the train. the excess energy is released as an exhaust to the chimney. this is the exothermic process because it releases energy to the surroundings.

well, i believe that the answer is 2. : 3