Question

The amount of energy available to the primary consumer in a food chain, is ____ of the net primary production.

• A. $15\%$
• B. $45\%$
• C. $75\%$
• D. $25\%$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $25\%$

The gross primary production (GPP) is the total amount of energy produced by the producer in a food chain, out of which about $60\%$ is utilised in the metabolism and growth of the producer.

So, the remaining $40\%$ of GPP is called the net primary production (NPP). Out of this, about $75\%$ is utilised in the death and decay of the producer and hence, is passed onto the decomposer(s).

Therefore, only about $25\%$ of the net primary production will be passed onto the next stage, i.e. to the primary consumer.