Primary consumers on land consume an average of 13 percent of the biomass; in aquatic ecosystems, primary consumers consume about 35 percent.What does this say about aquatic ecosystems, compared with terrestrial ecosystems?
A) Aquatic ecosystems have much higher trophic efficiencies.
B) Aquatic ecosystems have much lower trophic efficiencies.
C) Organisms in aquatic ecosystems need more food than those in terrestrial ecosystems.
D) Organisms in aquatic ecosystems need less food than those in terrestrial ecosystems.
E) Primary production in aquatic ecosystems far exceeds rates of herbivory.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Aquatic ecosystems have higher trophic efficiencies because a larger percentage of the biomass is transferred from primary producers to primary consumers compared to terrestrial ecosystems.

Primary Consumers on Land Consume an Average of 13 Percent