Only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is available to the next level. Where does the remaining 90…

Question

Only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is available to the next level. Where does the remaining 90% go?

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer The remaining 90% of energy is lost at each trophic level in the following ways: - A large amount is lost as **heat** to the environment. - Some energy is used in **digestion** and carrying out life processes (doing work). - The rest is used for **growth and reproduction** of the organism. Only 10% of the food eaten is converted into the organism's own body mass and made available to the next trophic level. *Source: Chapter 13, Section 13.1.1 — Food Chains and Webs* --- ## Explanation Examiners expect three distinct fates of the lost energy: heat loss, energy used in digestion/body functions, and energy used for growth/reproduction. Mentioning all three earns full marks. Simply saying "it is lost as heat" is incomplete and will likely cost you a mark. The 10% law is the key concept being tested here.

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