The proportion of assimilated energy consumed in respiration is highest in

Options

A. Decomposers
B. producers
C. herbivores
D. carnivores

Answer

To solve the question regarding the proportion of assimilated energy consumed in respiration being highest in a specific group of organisms, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Concept of Energy Flow in Ecosystems**:
- Energy flows through an ecosystem in a series of trophic levels: producers (autotrophs), herbivores (primary consumers), carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers), and decomposers.

2. **Identify Energy Consumption at Each Trophic Level**:
- **Producers (Plants)**: They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Approximately 20% of the energy they assimilate is used in respiration.
- **Herbivores (Primary Consumers)**: They consume producers and assimilate energy from them. The energy consumed in respiration by herbivores is about 30% of the energy they assimilate.
- **Carnivores (Secondary and Tertiary Consumers)**: They consume herbivores and have a higher energy consumption in respiration, which can be around 60% of the energy they assimilate.

3. **Consider the Role of Decomposers**:
- Decomposers break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. Their energy consumption in respiration is similar to that of herbivores, around 30%.

4. **Compare the Proportions of Energy Used in Respiration**:
- From the above data, we can summarize:
- Producers: 20%
- Herbivores: 30%
- Carnivores: 60%
- Decomposers: 30%

5. **Determine the Group with the Highest Proportion**:
- Among all the groups, carnivores have the highest proportion of assimilated energy consumed in respiration, which is 60%.

### Conclusion:
The proportion of assimilated energy consumed in respiration is highest in **Carnivores**.

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