Question

If an ecosystem is composed of only three trophic levels, then how much energy will be conserved at the III${}^{rd}$ trophic level?

• A. 30%
• B. 20%
• C. 10%
• D. 1%

Answer 1

The correct option is D 1%

According to ten percent law given by Lindeman, during the transfer of energy from one trophic level to the next, only about ten percent of the of energy from organic matter is stored as flesh. The remaining is lost during transfer, broken down in respiration, or lost to incomplete digestion by higher trophic levels.

Therefore, if there is 100% energy at trophic level 1st (Producers), only 10% of it (10%*100 = 10%) is passed to 2nd trophic level (Primary Consumers) and (10% of 10 = 1%) will be passed to 3rd Trophic level (Secondary consumers). Hence option D is correct.