The weight of the fox is 15 kg, of which 50% is water. the main diet of the predator is rodents, and the productivity

The weight of the fox is 15 kg, of which 50% is water. the main diet of the predator is rodents, and the productivity of terrestrial vegetation per 1 square meter is 300 g. Calculate the area (in ha) of the corresponding biocenosis that is necessary for the existence of the animal.

Answer: 0.25 ha.

We find out the dry weight of the animal, that is, without water. Water makes up 50% of the fox’s mass, which means 15 kg: 2 = 7.5 kg. A fox is a consumer of the 2nd order, rodents are consumers of the 1st order, their mass is 10 times greater than the highest rank, namely 7.5 kg * 10 = 75 kg. Producers, in turn: 75 kg * 10 = 750 kg. The area of terrestrial vegetation will be: 750,000 gr: 300 gr = 2500 m2 = 0.25 hectares.