Energy Flow Through Ecosystems

Green plants typically capture only about 1% of the solar energy that falls on their leaves, not 10%. This energy is used for photosynthesis, which is the process that allows plants to convert solar energy into chemical energy.

The other statements are correct:

• (A) Each trophic level loses energy as heat to the environment.
• (B) The amount of energy available at each trophic level is about 10% of the energy from the previous trophic level.
• (C) Energy flow is unidirectional, meaning it flows in one direction through the ecosystem, from producers to consumers.

The correct answer is (D) : Green plants capture about 10% of the solar energy that falls on leaves.