Transfer efficiency — Science definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- The fraction of energy at one position reaching the next, expressed as a percentage; measured values range from about one per cent to over twenty. (Life Science & Scientific Inquiry)
- A matched output/input ratio for a specified trophic transfer, time interval and boundary. (Life Science: Biology)
Where it is taught
- Energy Pyramids & Transfer Efficiency — Ecosystems, Matter & Energy, Life Science & Scientific Inquiry, Grade 7
- Energy Flow in Ecosystems — Ecosystems & Conservation Decisions, Life Science: Biology, Grade 10
In use
A trophic position is a place in that sequence — producers first, then the organisms eating them, then the organisms eating those — and the transfer efficiency is the fraction of energy at one position that ends up at the next.
Energy Pyramids & Transfer Efficiency
A trophic transfer efficiency compares matched energy inputs and outputs over a stated interval.
Energy Flow in Ecosystems
Questions using transfer efficiency
Problem 1
A level contains 8000 kJ of production; supplied transfer efficiency to the next is 15%. Find the next level's production. Explain the reasoning in your own words.
Answer and explanation
1200 kJ under the supplied efficiency; remaining energy is not all converted into one identical output.
Convert 15% to 0.15.
8000×0.15=1200 kJ.
Response criteria
- Use the stated conditions.
- Show the evidence or calculation.
- Explain the conclusion and any stated limitation.
Problem 2
A level produces 2000 kJ and transfer efficiency is 8%. Find next-level production. Show the reasoning, not just the conclusion.
Hints
Production transferred is only part of the total consumed-energy account.
Answer and explanation
2000×0.08=160 kJ.
Taught alongside
- trophic position
- energy pyramid
- biomass
- energy budget
- autotroph
- heterotroph
- trophic level
- ten percent rule
- standing biomass