Based On The Food Chain Below, If A Bald Eagle Acquires 50 Kg Of Energy, How Much Energy Did The Zooplankton Get From The Phytoplankton?Food Chain:phytoplankton → Zooplankton → Bivalves → Sea Ducks → Bald EagleA. 500 KgB. 5,000 KgC. 50,000 KgD. 500,000 Kg

A food chain is a series of organisms that eat other organisms, with each level representing a different trophic level. The energy transfer from one level to the next is not 100% efficient, resulting in a loss of energy at each trophic level. In this article, we will explore the energy transfer in a given food chain and determine how much energy the zooplankton acquired from the phytoplankton if a bald eagle acquires 50 kg of energy.

The 10% Rule: Energy Transfer in a Food Chain

The 10% rule states that only 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. This means that 90% of the energy is lost as heat, waste, or other forms of energy. To calculate the energy transfer, we need to apply this rule to each trophic level in the food chain.

The Food Chain: Phytoplankton to Bald Eagle

The given food chain is:

• Phytoplankton → Zooplankton → Bivalves → Sea Ducks → Bald Eagle

We will apply the 10% rule to each trophic level to determine the energy transfer.

Phytoplankton to Zooplankton

Let's assume that the phytoplankton produces 100 kg of energy. According to the 10% rule, the zooplankton will acquire 10% of the energy produced by the phytoplankton, which is:

10% of 100 kg = 10 kg

Zooplankton to Bivalves

The bivalves will acquire 10% of the energy produced by the zooplankton, which is:

10% of 10 kg = 1 kg

Bivalves to Sea Ducks

The sea ducks will acquire 10% of the energy produced by the bivalves, which is:

10% of 1 kg = 0.1 kg

Sea Ducks to Bald Eagle

The bald eagle will acquire 10% of the energy produced by the sea ducks, which is:

10% of 0.1 kg = 0.01 kg

Calculating the Energy Acquired by the Zooplankton

Now that we have calculated the energy transfer at each trophic level, we can determine the energy acquired by the zooplankton. We know that the bald eagle acquires 50 kg of energy, and we have calculated the energy transfer at each trophic level.

To calculate the energy acquired by the zooplankton, we need to work backwards from the bald eagle. We know that the bald eagle acquires 50 kg of energy, and we have calculated the energy transfer at each trophic level.

Let's start with the bald eagle and work backwards:

• Bald eagle acquires 50 kg of energy
• Sea ducks acquire 10% of the energy produced by the bald eagle, which is: 10% of 50 kg = 5 kg
• Bivalves acquire 10% of the energy produced by the sea ducks, which is: 10% of 5 kg = 0.5 kg
• Zooplankton acquire 10% of the energy produced by the bivalves, which is: 10% of 0.5 kg = 0.05 kg

Therefore, the zooplankton acquire 0.05 kg of energy from the phytoplankton.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the energy transfer in a food chain is not 100% efficient, resulting in a loss of energy at each trophic level. By applying the 10% rule to each trophic level, we can determine the energy acquired by the zooplankton. In this case, the zooplankton acquire 0.05 kg of energy from the phytoplankton if a bald eagle acquires 50 kg of energy.

Answer

The correct answer is:

In our previous article, we explored the energy transfer in a food chain and determined how much energy the zooplankton acquired from the phytoplankton if a bald eagle acquires 50 kg of energy. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to energy transfer in a food chain.

Q: What is the 10% rule in a food chain?

A: The 10% rule states that only 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. This means that 90% of the energy is lost as heat, waste, or other forms of energy.

Q: Why is the 10% rule important in a food chain?

A: The 10% rule is important in a food chain because it helps us understand how energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. It also helps us calculate the energy acquired by each organism in the food chain.

Q: How does the 10% rule affect the energy transfer in a food chain?

A: The 10% rule affects the energy transfer in a food chain by reducing the amount of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next. This means that the energy available to each organism in the food chain is reduced, making it more difficult for them to survive.

Q: Can the 10% rule be applied to all food chains?

A: No, the 10% rule cannot be applied to all food chains. While it is a useful tool for understanding energy transfer in a food chain, it is not a universal rule that applies to all ecosystems.

Q: What are some examples of food chains where the 10% rule does not apply?

A: Some examples of food chains where the 10% rule does not apply include:

• Coral reefs: In coral reefs, the energy transfer is more efficient, with up to 50% of the energy being transferred from one trophic level to the next.
• Forest ecosystems: In forest ecosystems, the energy transfer is also more efficient, with up to 30% of the energy being transferred from one trophic level to the next.

Q: How can the 10% rule be used in real-world applications?

A: The 10% rule can be used in real-world applications such as:

• Understanding the impact of climate change on food chains
• Developing sustainable fishing practices
• Designing conservation efforts for endangered species

Q: What are some limitations of the 10% rule?

A: Some limitations of the 10% rule include:

• It is a simplification of the complex processes that occur in a food chain
• It does not take into account the variability in energy transfer between different trophic levels
• It does not account for the impact of other factors such as predation and competition on energy transfer

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 10% rule is a useful tool for understanding energy transfer in a food chain. However, it is not a universal rule that applies to all ecosystems, and it has its limitations. By understanding the 10% rule and its limitations, we can better appreciate the complexity of food chains and the impact of human activities on these ecosystems.

Answer Key

1. Q: What is the 10% rule in a food chain? A: The 10% rule states that only 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.
2. Q: Why is the 10% rule important in a food chain? A: The 10% rule is important in a food chain because it helps us understand how energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.
3. Q: How does the 10% rule affect the energy transfer in a food chain? A: The 10% rule affects the energy transfer in a food chain by reducing the amount of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next.
4. Q: Can the 10% rule be applied to all food chains? A: No, the 10% rule cannot be applied to all food chains.
5. Q: What are some examples of food chains where the 10% rule does not apply? A: Some examples of food chains where the 10% rule does not apply include coral reefs and forest ecosystems.
6. Q: How can the 10% rule be used in real-world applications? A: The 10% rule can be used in real-world applications such as understanding the impact of climate change on food chains and developing sustainable fishing practices.
7. Q: What are some limitations of the 10% rule? A: Some limitations of the 10% rule include that it is a simplification of the complex processes that occur in a food chain and that it does not take into account the variability in energy transfer between different trophic levels.