Question

Energy transfer from one trophic level to another, in a food chain, is

• A. 0.05
• B. 0.1
• C. 0.15
• D. 20%.

Hint:

In the ecosystem, the primary producers depend on solar energy, the secondary consumers on the primary consumer, and the tertiary consumers on the secondary consumers. 

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the correct answer for this biology question, we need to understand the concept of energy transfer in a food chain. In ecological terms, a food chain represents the sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another. The energy transfer from one trophic level to another in a food chain is a key concept in ecology.

The typical efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels is about 10%. This is termed as the 10% Rule and was initially proposed by ecologist Raymond Lindeman. According to this rule, only about 10% of the energy stored in one trophic level is transferred to the next level. The remaining 90% of the energy is used for metabolic processes or is lost as heat to the environment.

To explain further:

• Producers (such as plants) capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy via photosynthesis.
• Primary consumers (herbivores) eat the producers, and only about 10% of the energy they consumed is converted into their biomass.
• Secondary consumers (carnivores) then consume the primary consumers, and once again, only about 10% of that energy is transferred to their bodies.
• This pattern continues up the food chain.

Given this explanation, the options presented are:

• 0.05 (5%)
• 0.1 (10%)
• 0.15 (15%)
• 20%

Based on the 10% Rule, the correct answer to the question is 0.1 or 10%, confirming that the correct energy transfer efficiency is 10% between trophic levels.