In a grassland of Kansas, 1,000 grams of grass are produced per square meter per year by all the different grass species. A theoretical upper limit to the biomass of secondary consumers that can be supported in this ecosystem is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The theoretical upper limit to the biomass of secondary consumers in an ecosystem is typically around 10% of the biomass available at the previous trophic level (primary consumers), which in turn is about 10% of the biomass of the producers. Given that the grass (producers) biomass is 1,000 grams, primary consumers (herbivores) would theoretically be supported up to 100 grams (10% of 1,000 grams), and secondary consumers (carnivores eating the herbivores) would be supported up to 10 grams (10% of 100 grams).

In a Grassland of Kansas, 1,000 Grams of Grass Are