Question

The total amount of energy, utilized and lost as heat at a particular trophic level is

• A. 10%
• B. 100%
• C. 50%
• D. 90%

Answer 1

The correct option is D 90%

Energy flow is the key function of the ecosystem which is based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. According to the first law of thermodynamics energy is converted from one form to another but never created or destroyed. So while seeing an energy transfer in a food chain or ecosystem we must keep in mind that energy form is changing but the amount is going to remain the same. Now if we consider the second law of thermodynamics which states that energy transfer is never 100%. The same thing is confirmed by the Lindeman's 10% law of energy transfer according to which only 10% of the energy available at any trophic level is transferred to the next trophic level. So approximately 90% of the energy is either utilized or lost as heat at any particular trophic level.

Energy flow through different trophic levels