Question

1. a student is analyzing the flow of energy through a grassland ecosystems energy pyramid, as shown in the diagram. if the primary producers at the base of the pyramid have an energy content of 20,000 kcal, and the primary consumers are expected to have an energy content of 2,000 kcal, what is the most likely energy content of the secondary consumers?

the secondary consumers will have 200 kcal.
the secondary consumers will have 1,000 kcal
the secondary consumers will have 2,000 kcal.

Explanation:

Step1: Energy transfer in ecosystem

In an energy pyramid, about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.

Step2: Calculate energy for secondary consumers

Primary producers have 20,000 kcal. Primary consumers have 2,000 kcal (which is 10% of 20,000). For secondary consumers, we take 10% of the energy of primary consumers. So, \(2000\times0.1 = 200\) kcal.

Answer:

The secondary consumers will have 200 kcal.