Question

Correct sequence of respiratory loss in plants (P), Herbivores(H) and Carnivores(C) is?

• A. P $<$ H $>$ C
• B. P $<$ H $<$ C
• C. P $>$ H $>$ C
• D. P $=$ H $=$ C

Answer 1

The correct option is B P $<$ H $<$ C

The amount of energy and biomass in the producers of the food chain is 100%. At each successive level, the energy and biomass are lost. The organisms at each level use energy for respiration. This is called respiration loss. When producers are eaten by the herbivores, there is 20% respiratory loss as producers use about 20% of energy in the form of respiration. Similarly, when herbivores are eaten by carnivores, there is 30% respiratory loss as 30% of energy is used by herbivores. Also, about 60% of the energy is used by carnivores during respiration. Hence, respiratory loss from carnivores to decomposer is 60%.

So the correct optiont is B i.e. 20% (P) < 30% (H) < 60% (C).