Question

With the knowledge of energy transfer in the food chain, man can place himself at an advantageous position in the food chain. Explain.

Answer 1

According to 10% Law, only 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to next trophic level. Plants are producers so if man will be vegetarian then he will directly eat plant based foods so will get maximum energy but if he will be non-vegeterian he will eat herbivores like goat, hen that feeds upon plants so man will be at higher trophic level and will get minimum energy as compared to being vegetarian. So accordingly in a food chain man can place himself in an advantageous position. For example- animals which are herbivores get 10% of energy from plants suppose 100 J according to 10% rule. When man will feed upon these animals they get only 10 J which is 10% of 100 J. But if man will feed directly on plants get 100 J hence vegetarians are at an advantageous position and get more energy than non-vegetarians.

Answer 2

Answer: The knowledge of energy transfer in the food chain has placed man at an advantageous position in the food chain.

Man eats both the plants and the animals so we are considered omnivores. Even though we eat only lower end of the food chain we are considered to be at the advantageous position because we are not eaten by any other organisms.

If we consumer only plant then we would be in the primary consumers levels. Man has the capability to disturb this food chain and it is happening.  This has to be considered by us so that we and all the organisms can survive together in the food chain.