Introduction

Lindeman’s efficiency is a key concept in ecology, describing how efficiently energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next. Understanding its formula and the meaning of its components is essential for students and researchers. This article explains Lindeman’s efficiency, its formula, and how to identify the correct values for A and B.

What Is Lindeman’s Efficiency?

Lindeman’s efficiency, also known as ecological efficiency, measures the percentage of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next. It is a critical parameter for understanding energy flow and ecosystem productivity.

The Formula

The standard formula for Lindeman’s efficiency is:

Efficiency = A / B

Where:

• A = Assimilation at trophic level n

• B = Net productivity at trophic level n-1

This means that the efficiency is calculated by dividing the energy assimilated at a given trophic level by the net productivity (or sometimes the assimilation) of the previous trophic level.

Evaluating the Options

Let’s review the options:

1. ‘assimilation at trophic level n’ and ‘assimilation at trophic level n – 1’

   • Not standard for Lindeman’s efficiency.

2. ‘intake at trophic level n’ and ‘assimilation at trophic level n-1’

   • Not standard.

3. ‘assimilation at trophic level n’ and ‘net productivity at trophic level n – 1’

   • Correct. This is the standard definition of Lindeman’s efficiency.

4. ‘intake at trophic level n’ and productivity at trophic level n – 1′

   • Not standard.

Why Is This Important?

Understanding Lindeman’s efficiency helps ecologists:

• Predict energy flow through food webs.

• Assess ecosystem health and productivity.

• Compare different ecosystems and trophic levels.

Conclusion

The correct formula for Lindeman’s efficiency is:

Efficiency = (Assimilation at trophic level n) / (Net productivity at trophic level n-1)

Correct answer:
(3) ‘assimilation at trophic level n’ and ‘net productivity at trophic level n – 1’