Which statement best describes what ultimately happens to the chemical energy that is not converted to new biomass in the process of energy transfer between trophic levels in an ecosystem?
A) All of it is undigested and winds up in the feces and is not passed on to higher trophic levels.
B) It is only used by organisms to maintain their life processes through the reactions of cellular respiration.
C) Heat produced by cellular respiration is used by heterotrophs to thermoregulate.
D) It is eliminated as feces or is dissipated into space as heat in accordance with the second law of thermodynamics.
E) It is recycled by decomposers to a form that is once again usable by primary producers.
Correct Answer:
Verified
Q31: How is net ecosystem production (NEP) typically
Q32: Owls eat rats, mice, shrews, and small
Q33: Which trophic level is most vulnerable to
Q34: The amount of chemical energy in a
Q35: Approximately how many kilograms of secondary consumer
Q37: Why is net primary production (NPP) a
Q38: Why does a vegetarian leave a smaller
Q39: Which of the following is primarily responsible
Q40: What is the primary limiting factor for
Q41: Which of the following locations is the
Unlock this Answer For Free Now!
View this answer and more for free by performing one of the following actions
Scan the QR code to install the App and get 2 free unlocks
Unlock quizzes for free by uploading documents