A porcupine eats 3,000 J of plant material. 1,600 J is indigestible and is eliminated as feces. 1,300 J are used in cellular respiration. What is the approximate production efficiency of this animal?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Production efficiency is calculated as the energy used for growth and reproduction divided by the total energy consumed, minus the energy lost in feces. Here, the energy used for growth and reproduction is 100 J (3,000 J - 1,600 J - 1,300 J). Therefore, production efficiency is (100 J / 1,400 J) * 100% = approximately 3%.

A Porcupine Eats 3,000 J of Plant Material