Final answer:
The energy transfer between trophic levels follows the 10% rule. If the pumpkin has 80,000 kCal, the snake will receive 8,000 kCal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The energy transfer between trophic levels in the food chain usually follows the 10% rule. It states that when energy is passed in an ecosystem from one trophic level to the next, only ten percent of the energy will be passed on. Therefore, if the pumpkin population has a total of 80,000 kCal of energy, the snake, as a consumer, would only be able to access 10% of this energy, which is 8,000 kCal. So, the correct answer is option a, 8,000 kCal.
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