In a terrestrial ecosystem,

Options

A. A similar proportion of energy flows through the grazing food chain as compared to the detritus food chain.
B. A smaller proportion of energy flows through the detritus food chain as compared to grazing food chain.
C. Equal proportion of energy flows through detritus food chain and grazing food chain
D. No energy flows through detritus food chain and grazing food chain.

Answer

To solve the question regarding energy flow in a terrestrial ecosystem, we need to analyze the given options based on our understanding of food chains and energy transfer.

### Step-by-step Solution:

1. **Understanding Food Chains**:
- In a terrestrial ecosystem, there are two main types of food chains: the grazing food chain and the detritus food chain.
- The grazing food chain consists of producers (like plants) that are consumed by herbivores (primary consumers), which are then consumed by carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers).
- The detritus food chain involves the breakdown of dead organic matter by decomposers (like bacteria and fungi) and detritivores (like earthworms).

2. **Energy Flow in Food Chains**:
- According to the 10% rule of energy transfer, only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next level. The rest is lost as heat.
- This principle applies to both the grazing food chain and the detritus food chain.

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option 1**: "A similar proportion of energy flows through the grazing food chain as compared to the detritus food chain."
- This statement is correct because both chains follow the same energy transfer principle, losing approximately 90% of energy at each trophic level.
- **Option 2**: "A smaller proportion of energy flows through the detritus food chain as compared to the grazing food chain."
- This statement is incorrect because the proportion of energy flow is similar in both chains.
- **Option 3**: "Equal proportion of energy flows through detritus food chain and grazing food chain."
- This statement is misleading; while the proportion is similar, it is not equal due to the 10% energy loss.
- **Option 4**: "No energy flows through detritus food chain and grazing food chain."
- This statement is incorrect as both food chains do facilitate energy flow.

4. **Conclusion**:
- The correct answer is **Option 1**: "A similar proportion of energy flows through the grazing food chain as compared to the detritus food chain."