Question

lets look at one more way to visualize why only about 10% of energy moves from one trophic level to the next.
image: leaf material eaten by caterpillar (200 j), growth (33 j), feces (100 j), cellular respiration (67 j)

1. what is the amount of energy that passes through the caterpillar that cant be absorbed?

type here:100 j

1. what is the amount of energy that the caterpillar actually consumes (eats)? how much energy did the plant have to produce to supply the caterpillar with that energy?

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1. how much energy is actually used to make more caterpillar?

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1. what kinds of things did the caterpillar use the 67 j for? (the answer is not cellular respiration).

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Explanation:

Question 2

Step1: Identify consumed energy

The caterpillar eats 200 J (leaf material eaten).

Step2: Determine plant energy

Since energy transfer between trophic levels is ~10%, plant energy = $\frac{200}{0.1}$ = 2000 J.

Step1: Locate growth energy

The growth energy (used to make more caterpillar) is given as 33 J.

Step1: Analyze energy use

Energy from cellular respiration (67 J) powers activities like movement, maintaining body temperature (ectotherm, but still basic functions), feeding-related motions, defense mechanisms (e.g., avoiding predators), and other metabolic processes supporting life (excluding growth and waste).

Answer:

The caterpillar consumes 200 J. The plant had to produce 2000 J.

Question 3