Question

If the leafhopper receives 463,000 kJ of energy, which value best represents the approximate energy lost between the trophic levels occupied by the gray rat snake and the Cooper’s hawk? Explain

46.3 kJ
4170 kJ
463 kJ
41,700 kJ

Answer 1

4170 kJ

Explanation: Only about 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level. Starting with 463,000 kJ at the leafhopper:
- next level (10%): 46,300 kJ
- next level (10% of that, gray rat snake): 4,630 kJ
- next level (10% of that, Cooper’s hawk): 463 kJ

Energy lost between the snake and the hawk = 4,630 − 463 ≈ 4,170 kJ.