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1. Assume that an ant population needs to consume 5 cal /cm2/day to persist at c

ID: 176298 • Letter: 1

Question

1. Assume that an ant population needs to consume 5 cal /cm2/day to persist at carrying capacity. Also, assume that trophic transfer efficiency (ecological efficiency) is 10%. What's the minimum rate of primary production required to sustain this ant population at carrying capacity if the ants are HERBIVORES?

a. The same as the ant population needs: 5 cal/cm2/day
b. 365 times the ant population's daily need = 1825 cal/cm2/day
c. 10 times more than the ant population needs = 50 cal/cm2/day
d. Insufficient information to answer

Explanation / Answer

c. 10 times more than the ant population needs = 50 cal/cm2/day

As the trophic transfer efficiency (ecological efficiency) is 10%, the minimum rate of primary production required to sustain this ant population at carrying capacity must be 10 times more, i.e. 50 cal/cm2/day.