Question

using the 10% rule when studying trophic pyramids, if the primary consumers obtain 100 joules of energy, how much energy do the herbivores have? 30 joules 100 joules 16 joules

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the 10% rule

The 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next trophic level. Primary consumers (herbivores) obtain energy from producers. If we assume the energy available to primary consumers (herbivores) is \(E_{pc}\), and we know the formula for energy transfer \(E_{pc}=0.1\times E_{p}\) (where \(E_{p}\) is the energy of producers). But in this case, the question is mis - worded. Primary consumers are herbivores. If it's a typo and they mean secondary consumers (carnivores that eat herbivores), then if primary consumers (herbivores) have \(E = 100\) Joules, and secondary consumers get 10% of the energy of primary consumers. But if we assume the question just has a naming error and primary consumers (herbivores) have the energy value given.

Answer:

100 Joules