WAEC Biology 1996 Question 36

Question 36

Feeding Relationships and Energy Flow

The following are pathways of energy in the biosphere:
I. Heat energy is lost from body metabolism to the surrounding air II. Energy passes to decomposers and parasites III. Energy is transferred to the next higher level in a food chain IV. Energy is also passed by conduction to clothing and other objects
Use the pathways to answer questions 36 and 37
Which pathway directly leads to transfer of useful energy within a biological community?

  1. A.I only
  2. B.II and III only
  3. C.I and III only
  4. D.I and II only
  5. E.IV only
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (II and III only)

Explanation

Energy passed to decomposers and parasites (II) and up the food chain (III) stays in living things; heat lost to air or objects is wasted.