Trophic efficiency is
A) the ratio of net secondary production to assimilation of primary production.
B) the percentage of production transferred from one trophic level to the next.
C) a measure of how nutrients are cycled from one trophic level to the next.
D) usually greater than production efficiencies.
E) about 90% in most ecosystems.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Trophic efficiency is the percentage of production that is transferred from one trophic level to the next. It is calculated by dividing the biomass of one trophic level by the biomass of the trophic level it feeds on. It is usually around 10% in most ecosystems.

(Note: Option A is incorrect as it defines ecological efficiency, not trophic efficiency. Option C is incorrect as it pertains to nutrient cycling, not trophic efficiency. Option D is incorrect as production efficiencies can be greater or lesser than trophic efficiencies.)

Trophic Efficiency Is