Using the ten percent rule, determine how many kilocalories of energy the tertiary consumer tuna will receive.

Question

Algae Shrimp Lantern Fish Tuna
135,000 Kcal


(1 point)
Responses

135,000 Kcal
135,000 Kcal

1,350 Kcal
1,350 Kcal

13,500 Kcal
13,500 Kcal

135 Kcal
135 Kcal

Answer 1

The ten percent rule in ecology states that only about ten percent of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next level.

1. The total energy from algae (the primary producer) is 135,000 Kcal.
2. The primary consumers (like shrimp) will receive 10% of that energy:
   • Energy for shrimp = 10% of 135,000 Kcal = 13,500 Kcal.
3. The secondary consumers (like lantern fish) will then receive 10% of the energy from the primary consumers:
   • Energy for lantern fish = 10% of 13,500 Kcal = 1,350 Kcal.
4. Finally, the tertiary consumer (tuna) will receive 10% of the energy from the secondary consumers:
   • Energy for tuna = 10% of 1,350 Kcal = 135 Kcal.

So, according to the ten percent rule, the tuna will receive 135 Kcal of energy.

The correct answer is 135 Kcal.