Multiple Choice
Why are the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem typically limited?
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52. Ecosystems
Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
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In the context of energy flow through ecosystems, what percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?
A
About 10%
B
About 50%
C
About 90%
D
About 1%
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of energy transfer in ecosystems: Energy flows through ecosystems via trophic levels, starting with producers (plants) and moving up to primary consumers, secondary consumers, and so on. At each level, energy is lost primarily as heat due to metabolic processes.
Recall the '10% Rule': In ecology, the 10% Rule states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next level. The remaining 90% is lost as heat, waste, or used for the organism's life processes.
Analyze the options provided: The question asks for the percentage of energy typically transferred from one trophic level to the next. Based on the 10% Rule, the correct answer should align with this principle.
Eliminate incorrect options: About 50% and About 90% are too high, as they contradict the 10% Rule. About 1% is too low and does not represent the typical energy transfer in ecosystems.
Select the correct answer: Based on the 10% Rule, the correct answer is 'About 10%'. This reflects the average energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels in most ecosystems.
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