Question

Which one of the following ranges correctly represents the percentage of energy that is transferred from a lower to the next higher trophic level in most terrestrial systems?

• A. 0.01% to 1%
• B. 33% to 66%
• C. 2% to 20%
• D. 90% to 95%

Hint:

Remember the heuristic: about \(\sim10\%\) of energy moves up each trophic step; a reasonable real-world band is \(\mathbf{2\%-20\%}\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Use trophic transfer efficiency (TTE).
In terrestrial ecosystems, the fraction of energy passed from one trophic level to the next (TTE) typically averages about \(\sim 10\%\), but varies with food quality, physiology, and environment — commonly a few percent up to about one-fifth.

Step 2: Check ranges against known values.

(A) \(0.01\%-1\%\): too low for \emph{most} terrestrial systems (would imply extremely inefficient transfer).
(B) \(33\%-66\%\): far too high; such efficiencies are unrealistic for trophic steps.
(C) \(\mathbf{2\%-20\%}\): encompasses the usual variability and the classic “10\% rule.”
(D) \(90\%-95\%\): impossible; would violate basic energetic losses (respiration, heat). Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{\text{(C) } 2\% \text{ to } 20\%} \]