Question

use the model below to answer the question. energy transfer model. the model shows the transfer of energy between levels in an ecological pyramid. which pair of statements describes the pattern of energy transfer shown in the model? a. each level below the top consumers gets 10% more food energy than the level above it. each level releases 90% more energy as heat than it receives. b. each level below the top consumers gets 90% more food energy than the level above it. each level releases 10% more energy as heat than it receives. c. each level above the producers gets 10% of the energy available from the level below it. 90% of the energy each level receives is released as heat. d. each level above the producers gets 90% of the energy available from the level below it. 10% is released as heat.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall energy - transfer rule in ecological pyramid

In an ecological pyramid, only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next level. The remaining 90% is released as heat during metabolic processes.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option a: Incorrect. Each level above the top - consumers does not get 10% more food energy than the level below it.
• Option b: Incorrect. Each level below the top - consumers does not get 90% more food energy than the level above it.
• Option c: Incorrect. Producers get light energy to make food. It is not about getting 10% of the energy from the level below producers in terms of food energy transfer as described in this option.
• Option d: Correct. Each level above producers gets 10% of the food energy available from the level below it, and 90% is released as heat.

Answer:

d. Each level above producers gets 10% of the food energy available from the level below it, and 90% is released as heat.