Question

Calculate the percentage of biomass that was transferred between the two trophic levels listed in this ecosystem. Narrow-leaved arrowheads and Algae provide most of the energy for the turtles, shrimp, and insects that directly consume them. Narrow leaved arrowheads have a biomass of 50,480 (g/100m2) and algae have a biomass of 21,160 (g/100 m2) Turtles have a biomass of 2,100, Shrimp have a biomass of 2470, and insects have a biomass of 1,925.

Answer 1

Approximately 9.07% of the biomass from the primary producers is transferred to the primary consumers in this ecosystem.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the percentage of biomass transferred between the primary producers (narrow-leaved arrowheads and algae) and the primary consumers (turtles, shrimp, and insects), you can follow these steps:

Calculate the total biomass at the producer level (primary producers):

Total producer biomass = Biomass of narrow-leaved arrowheads + Biomass of algae

Total producer biomass = 50,480 g/100m^2 + 21,160 g/100m^2

Total producer biomass = 71,640 g/100m^2

Calculate the total biomass at the consumer level (primary consumers):

Total consumer biomass = Biomass of turtles + Biomass of shrimp + Biomass of insects

Total consumer biomass = 2,100 g + 2,470 g + 1,925 g

Total consumer biomass = 6,495 g

Calculate the percentage of biomass transferred:

Percentage of biomass transferred = (Total consumer biomass / Total producer biomass) x 100

Percentage of biomass transferred = (6,495 g / 71,640 g) x 100

Percentage of biomass transferred ≈ 9.07%