Question

How much percentage of energy passes from one trophic level to another trophic level?

Hint:

The 10% energy transfer rule helps explain the pyramid-shaped structure of ecosystems, with more energy available at the base and less at the top.

Answer 1

Step 1: Energy transfer in ecosystems.
In an ecosystem, energy flows from one trophic level to the next. However, the transfer is inefficient. Only a small fraction of energy is passed on at each trophic level.
Step 2: The 10% Rule.
The "10% Rule" in ecology states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next level. The rest is lost as heat, used for metabolic processes, or consumed in the form of waste.
Step 3: Ecological pyramids.
This energy loss is why the number of organisms decreases as you move up the trophic levels. Higher trophic levels, such as apex predators, have less available energy than lower levels like primary producers.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{10%} \]