How much of the net primary productivity of a terrestrial ecosystem is eaten and digested by herbivores?

Options

A. 0.01
B. 0.1
C. 0.4
D. 0.9

Answer

B

Explanation

Energy flow in the ecosystem follows the ten percent law (put forth by Lindermann in 1942 ).
From the level of primary producers onwards, only 10 % of energy is stored at the higher trophic level and 90 % is lost (as heat or in respiration etc. ). This energy transfer forms the basis of life.
`underset(20J)"Producers" to underset(2 J)"Herbivores" to underset(0.2J)"Carnivores"`