Question

How much of the net primary productivity of a terrestrial ecosystem is eaten and digested by herbivores?

• A.
  $40\%$
• B.
  $10\%$
• C.
  $90\%$
• D.
  $1\%$

Answer 1

The correct option is B

$10\%$
Amount of energy received by the herbivores
The ten percent law states that only $10\%$ of the energy is transferred to each trophic level as the trophic levels increase. The $10\%$ of energy, in the form of organic matter from the producers, received by the herbivores is eaten and stored as flesh. The remaining energy is lost during transfer in the form respiration or incomplete digestion. Thus $10\%$ of NPP of a terrestrial ecosystem is eaten and digested by herbivores.

Final answer : (b) 10%