Question

The percentage of transfer of energy from one trophic level to another trophic level is:

• A. 5%
• B. 10%
• C. 25%
• D. 50%

Answer 1

The correct option is B 10%

Whenever energy is transformed, there is a loss of energy through the release of heat. Similarly, energy is lost as heat when it is transferred between trophic levels like in a food chain/food web. This makes the flow of energy in an ecosystem unidirectional. The studies of transfer of energy in different food chains in a large number of ecosystems have revealed a uniform pattern, which is stated as the 10 per cent law by Lindemann. According to this law, only 10 per cent of the energy entering a particular trophic level of organisms is available for transfer to the next higher trophic level.