Whale sharks do not get energy directly from the sun like plants do through photosynthesis. They are heterotrophic animals, meaning they rely on consuming other organisms for energy. As filter feeders, whale sharks mainly feed on plankton, krill, and small fish, which indirectly derive energy from the sun by feeding on photosynthetic organisms.
Therefore, whale sharks do not receive a direct percentage of energy from the sun. The energy they obtain is through the food chain and is ultimately sourced from the sun's energy captured by photosynthetic organisms.
How much energy do whale sharks get from the sun? In percentage %
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could you give me an estimation percentage?
While it's not possible to give an exact percentage, we can make a rough estimation. The primary producers in the ocean, such as phytoplankton, capture only a small fraction of the sun's energy through photosynthesis. This energy is then transferred through the food chain to higher trophic levels, including the plankton, fish, and krill that whale sharks feed on.
As energy gets transferred from one trophic level to another, around 10% is typically transferred. This means that only about 10% of the energy from the sun captured by phytoplankton would reach the level of energy available to whale sharks. However, it is important to note that this is a very approximate estimation and there are many factors that can influence the energy transfer and availability for whale sharks.
As energy gets transferred from one trophic level to another, around 10% is typically transferred. This means that only about 10% of the energy from the sun captured by phytoplankton would reach the level of energy available to whale sharks. However, it is important to note that this is a very approximate estimation and there are many factors that can influence the energy transfer and availability for whale sharks.
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