Ecology

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option a

Explanation
Ecological efficiency refers to the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another in an ecosystem. The 10% Rule states that only about 10% of energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next, while the remaining 90% is lost as heat due to respiration, metabolism, and other biological processes.

Statement 1 is correct: The loss of energy at each trophic level limits the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem. Most food chains rarely exceed 4-5 trophic levels because the available energy becomes insufficient to support additional levels.

Statement 2 is not correct: Ecological efficiency is generally higher in aquatic ecosystems than in terrestrial ecosystems because aquatic producers (like phytoplankton) are more efficient at converting energy into biomass than terrestrial plants.