Question

How much of the net primary productivity of a terrestrial ecosystem is eaten and digested by herbivores?

Options

• 1%

• 10%

• 50%

• 95%

Answer 1

10%

Explanation:

Approximately 10% of the net primary productivity (NPP) of a terrestrial ecosystem is eaten and digested by herbivores. This is based on energy flow and transfer efficiency in ecosystems, where only a fraction (about 10%) of NPP is utilized by herbivores for growth and metabolism, due to losses at various stages, such as respiration and incomplete consumption.