You Are Comparing the Transfer of Energy from Primary Producers

You are comparing the transfer of energy from primary producers to primary consumers in two different ecosystems, area 1 and area 2. In area 1, primary consumers have a 60% consumption efficiency and a 20% assimilation efficiency. In area 2, primary consumers have a 20% consumption efficiency and a 70% assimilation efficiency. For each area, explain these differences in consumption and assimilation efficiencies by answering the following questions:
a) In which area are primary producers more easily consumed? Explain.
b) In which area are primary producers more easily digested? Explain.
c) Based on consumption patterns, which primary producers likely invested more heavily in defenses, those in area 1 or 2? Explain.
d) Based on your answers to a-c, predict the resource levels for each area. Also predict which area would most likely be found within a desert ecosystem, and which would most likely be found within a temperate deciduous forest ecosystem. Explain your answers.