Energy transfer between trophic levels is typically only 10% efficient.Approximately how many kilograms of secondary consumer biomass can be supported by a field plot containing 1,000 kg of plant material?
A)10,000
B)1,000
C)100
D)10
E)1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Energy transfer between trophic levels is typically only 10% efficient. This means that only 10% of the energy available at one trophic level is transferred to the next trophic level. In this case, the field plot contains 1,000 kg of plant material, which is the primary producer level. The secondary consumer level is two trophic levels above the primary producer level, so only 1% of the energy available at the primary producer level will be available to the secondary consumer level. This means that the field plot can support 10 kg of secondary consumer biomass.

Energy Transfer Between Trophic Levels Is Typically Only 10% Efficient