Question

The amount of energy assimilated by plants and carnivores as food is respectively.

• A. 500 J and 5 J
• B. 5 J and 0.05 J
• C. 5000 J and 50 J
• D. 50 J and 0.5 J

Answer 1

The correct option is D 50 J and 0.5 J

The energy flow occurs from the primary source of energy (Sun) to the environment. Only 1% of solar energy is trapped by producers (plants) and according to 10% law, only 10 percent of energy is transferred from one trophic level to another and the rest 90 percent is lost at each trophic level. Thus, according to the given conditions, only 1 percent of 5000 J (solar energy) is trapped by the plants which is 50 J (1% of 5000 J). From plants, 5 J (10% of 50 J) of energy is transferred to the herbivore and from herbivores to the carnivore 0.5 J (10% of 5 J) is transferred.