Question

in terms of energy flow in the ecosystem, which of the following statement is false?
a most of the energy that reaches the planet is either absorbed into the earth, reflected back into space, or scattered
b only 1% of the energy from the sun is used to drive the process of photosynthesis on earth
c moving from one trophic level to the next, about 90% of energy is passed on.
d moving from one trophic level to the next, energy is always lost as heat.

Explanation:

To determine the false statement, we analyze each option based on ecosystem energy flow concepts:

• Option A: Correct. Most solar energy reaching Earth is absorbed, reflected, or scattered.
• Option B: Correct. Approximately 1% of solar energy drives photosynthesis.
• Option C: False. In trophic level energy transfer, only about 10% of energy is passed on (≈90% is lost as heat, used for metabolism, etc.).
• Option D: Correct. Energy is lost as heat during trophic level transfers (due to respiration, etc.).

Answer:

C. Moving from one trophic level to the next, about 90% of energy is passed on.