Question

The diagram above shows an ecological pyramid of net productivity that describes the multiplicative loss of energy in a food chain. Each trophic level in the food chain is represented by a bar in the pyramid, with primary producers forming the foundation of the pyramid. The size of each block represents the productivity at each trophic level per unit of time.
In the above example, approximately how much energy available in each trophic level is converted into new biomass in the trophic level above it?

• A. $1$%
• B. $5$%
• C. $10$%
• D. $50$%
• E. $100$%

Answer 1

The correct option is C $10$%

The diagrams show ecological pyramid, it is graphically represented to show the biomass or productivity of the biomass at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

According to ten percent law, during the transfer of energy from organic food from one trophic level to the next, only about ten percent of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to another. The remaining is lost during transfer, broken down in respiration, or lost to incomplete digestion by higher trophic levels. In the example given, as 10000J of energy is produced by producers, but only 1,000J is transferred to primary consumers and same way only 100J is transferred to secondary consumers. Hence, the correct answer is option C.