Question

Consider the following food chain: Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Eagle If the amount of energy available at third trophic level is 50 kJ, the available energy at the producer level was: 

• A. 0.5 kJ
• B. 5 kJ
• C. 500 kJ
• D. 5000 kJ

Hint:

In a food chain, only about 10% of the energy is transferred to each successive trophic level. This explains the large energy available at the producer level.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding energy transfer. In an energy pyramid, energy decreases as you move up trophic levels. Typically, only about 10% of the energy is transferred to the next trophic level
Step 2: Calculation. If the energy at the third trophic level is 50 kJ, then the energy available at the producer level (first trophic level) can be calculated by multiplying by 100. \[ {Energy at producer level} = 50 \, {kJ} \times 100 = 5000 \, {kJ} \] 
Step 3: Conclusion. Thus, the correct answer is option (D): 5000 kJ.