Question

examine the food chain diagram given, how much energy is left for the coyote if the plant begins with 10,000 joules of energy? a. 1,000 joules b. 10,000 joules c. 10 joules

Explanation:

Step1: Recall energy transfer rule

In a food chain, energy is transferred with about 10% efficiency (90% lost) at each trophic level. The plant is the producer (trophic level 1), then the herbivore (trophic level 2), then the coyote (trophic level 3).

Step2: Calculate energy at trophic level 2

Energy at trophic level 2 (herbivore) = \( 10,000 \times 0.1 = 1,000 \) joules.

Step3: Calculate energy at trophic level 3 (coyote)

Energy at trophic level 3 (coyote) = \( 1,000 \times 0.1 = 10 \) joules.

Answer:

C. 10 Joules