Question Detail
Question
What proportion of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next higher trophic level? A. 10% B. 20% C. 30% D. 40% E. 50%
Correct Answer
Option A is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
On average, only about 10% of the energy stored as biomass at one trophic level is converted to biomass at the next higher trophic level. The rest is lost as heat through metabolism or is not consumed/digested. This is known as the 10% law.
Hint
It's a well-known ecological rule of thumb.