Question

What percentage of the total energy expended in the American food system supports primary production?

a) 10%
b) 25%
c) 50%
d) 80%

Answer 1

The correct answer is that 80% of the total energy expended in the American food system supports primary production.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about the percentage of the total energy expended in the American food system that supports primary production. According to the information provided, modern agricultural practices in the United States utilize approximately 10 times the energy of the food's energy content to produce, distribute, and handle food.

Therefore, if the energy content of food is considered to be the output, the energy input into the system is significantly higher, and at least 90% of this input is in the form of fossil fuels. Hence, the correct answer to the question is that 80% (d) of the total energy expended in the American food system supports primary production.