Which Statement Best Describes What Ultimately Happens to the Chemical

question 17

Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes what ultimately happens to the chemical energy that is NOT converted to new biomass in the process of energy transfer between trophic levels in an ecosystem?

• A) It is undigested and winds up in the feces and is not passed on to higher trophic levels.
• B) It is eliminated as feces or is dissipated into space as heat, consistent with the second law of thermodynamics.
• C) Heat produced by cellular respiration is used by heterotrophs for thermoregulation.
• D) It is recycled by decomposers to smaller and smaller forms until it finally breaks down to form soil.
• E) It is used by organisms to maintain their life processes through the reactions of cellular respiration.

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Definitions:

Increasing Costs

A scenario where the costs of producing goods or services trend upwards over time, affecting profitability and pricing strategies.

World Price

The international market price of a good or service, determined by world demand and supply.

Domestic Price

The price of goods or services within a country's borders.

Efficient Nation

A country that utilizes its resources in the most productive way possible, maximizing output and welfare with minimal waste.