Question

Identify the fruit or vegetable you selected and relate the second law of thermodynamics to the changes in energy observed in Appendix C. How did the amount of energy gained compare to the amount of energy lost as heat at the second through fourth trophic levels? Considering the amount of energy required to produce animal-based foods and goods, should humans change their habits so they consume products closer to the bottom of the food chain because it is more efficient? I selected the orange.

Answer 1

I chose raw carrots as my vegetable. According to the chart, the energy gained compared to the energy lost was 10% gained to 90% lost. I would say this is clear evidence that humans need to consume foods closer to the bottom of the food chain so a higher amount of the original energy is usable energy rather then heat.