With reference to 'Ecosystem', which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Green plants in terrestrial ecosystem capture about 1% of energy of the sunlight that falls on their leaves.
2. Around 10% of organic matter reaches to the next higher level of consumers. Select the correct answer from the code given below:
- AOnly 1
- BNeither 1 nor 2
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DOnly 2
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Green plants capture only about 1% of the sunlight falling on their leaves; the rest is reflected, transmitted, or lost as heat (Statement 1 correct).
By the 10% law of energy transfer, only about 10% of organic matter/energy passes to the next higher trophic level (Statement 2 correct).
The remaining energy is lost in respiration, heat, and inedible parts at each level.