Question:
Which one of the following ranges correctly represents the percentage of energy that is transferred from a lower to the next higher trophic level in most terrestrial systems?
Which one of the following ranges correctly represents the percentage of energy that is transferred from a lower to the next higher trophic level in most terrestrial systems?
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Remember the heuristic: about \(\sim10\%\) of energy moves up each trophic step; a reasonable real-world band is \(\mathbf{2\%-20\%}\).
Updated On: Aug 27, 2025
- 0.01% to 1%
- 33% to 66%
- 2% to 20%
- 90% to 95%
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Use trophic transfer efficiency (TTE).
In terrestrial ecosystems, the fraction of energy passed from one trophic level to the next (TTE) typically averages about \(\sim 10\%\), but varies with food quality, physiology, and environment — commonly a few percent up to about one-fifth.
Step 2: Check ranges against known values.
(A) \(0.01\%-1\%\): too low for \emph{most} terrestrial systems (would imply extremely inefficient transfer).
(B) \(33\%-66\%\): far too high; such efficiencies are unrealistic for trophic steps.
(C) \(\mathbf{2\%-20\%}\): encompasses the usual variability and the classic “10\% rule.”
(D) \(90\%-95\%\): impossible; would violate basic energetic losses (respiration, heat). Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{\text{(C) } 2\% \text{ to } 20\%} \]
In terrestrial ecosystems, the fraction of energy passed from one trophic level to the next (TTE) typically averages about \(\sim 10\%\), but varies with food quality, physiology, and environment — commonly a few percent up to about one-fifth.
Step 2: Check ranges against known values.
(A) \(0.01\%-1\%\): too low for \emph{most} terrestrial systems (would imply extremely inefficient transfer).
(B) \(33\%-66\%\): far too high; such efficiencies are unrealistic for trophic steps.
(C) \(\mathbf{2\%-20\%}\): encompasses the usual variability and the classic “10\% rule.”
(D) \(90\%-95\%\): impossible; would violate basic energetic losses (respiration, heat). Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{\text{(C) } 2\% \text{ to } 20\%} \]
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