Question

which of the following statements best describes the transfer of energy between an arctic fox and lemming if the lemming contains 3000 kj of energy? a. the lemming received the 3000 kj of its energy from the fox. b. the fox will receive exactly 3000 kj of available energy from the lemming. c. the lemming will receive less than 3000 kj of available energy from the fox. d. the fox will receive less than 3000 kj of available energy from the lemming.

Explanation:

In an ecosystem, energy transfer between trophic levels is not 100% efficient. When one organism consumes another, only a fraction of the consumed organism's energy is available to the consumer. Typically, about 10 - 20% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Since the Arctic fox preys on the lemming, if the lemming has 3000 kJ of energy, the fox will receive less than 3000 kJ of available energy as some energy is lost as heat, used in metabolic processes, etc. in the lemming.

Answer:

D. The fox will receive less than 3000 kJ of available energy from the lemming.