If the heterotrophs in level 2 of a trophic pyramid produce 20,000 kilograms of biomass, how much energy did the autotrophs produce?

A

20 kg

B

200 kg

C

2,000 kg

D

200,000 kg

The answer is; D

This is because the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another is very inefficient. Only 10% of energy transferred to the next trophic level is turned to biomass. The rest is lost in the process as heat. The heterotrophs on level 3, on the other hand, will have 2,000 kg n biomass.