Multiple choice

The transfer of energy through a terrestrial ecosystem is often depicted by energy pyramids. Which one of the following statement is true?

  1. ecological efficiency is highest for top consumers

  2. about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is incorporated into the biomass of the next level

  3. the energy lost as the heat in respiration is 10% of the available energy of each trophic level

  4. only 25% of energy in one trophic level is passed on to the next level
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The 10% rule is a fundamental principle of ecological energy transfer - only about 10% of energy from one trophic level is converted into biomass of the next level. The remaining 90% is lost primarily through respiration (as heat) and incomplete consumption/digestion. Ecological efficiency is actually lowest for top consumers due to cumulative energy losses, and energy transfer varies but averages around 10%, not exactly 25%.

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