Question

If $20\, J$ of energy is trapped at producer level, then how much energy will be available to peacock as food in the following chain?
plant $\rightarrow$ mice $\rightarrow$ snake $\rightarrow$ peacock

• A. 0.02 J
• B. 0.002 J
• C. 0.2 J
• D. 0.0002 J

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Herbivores are eaten by primary carnivores. Only 10% of the herbivores productivity is utilized for raising productivity of primary carnivores. The rest is consumed in ingestion, respiration, maintenance of body heat and other activities. Higher carnivores similarly are able to retain only 10% of energy present in primary carnivores. It is called 10% law which was proposed by Lindeman. Accordingly, if plant trapped 20 J of energy, mice will have 2 J, snake will have 0.2 J and hence, peacock will have 0.02 J of energy.