Description
denominator is assimilatedEnergy when useAssimilated, otherwise grossEnergy; fraction = transferredEnergy/denominator.
Ecological energy and nutrient efficiencies depend on which production, ingestion, assimilation or concentration basis is used. Molar nutrient ratios differ from mass ratios, and a local balance is not a complete ecosystem budget.
denominator is assimilatedEnergy when useAssimilated, otherwise grossEnergy; fraction = transferredEnergy/denominator.
When to use this tool
Use Trophic Transfer Reference Base when checking a supplied ecological budget or nutrient-normalization term.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter transferredEnergy, grossEnergy, assimilatedEnergy, useAssimilated. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read fraction, denominator. Use the output convention below.
Require positive grossEnergy and assimilatedEnergy, with 0 <= transferredEnergy <= assimilatedEnergy <= grossEnergy. denominator is assimilatedEnergy when useAssimilated, otherwise grossEnergy; fraction = transferredEnergy/denominator.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| transferredEnergy | Transferred Energy | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| grossEnergy | Gross Energy | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| assimilatedEnergy | Assimilated Energy | Required. Finite number; strictly above 0. |
| useAssimilated | Use Assimilated | Required. Boolean. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| fraction | Dimensionless fraction on the stated denominator basis, not multiplied by 100. | Required. Finite number. |
| denominator | Denominator | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"transferredEnergy": 10,
"grossEnergy": 100,
"assimilatedEnergy": 40,
"useAssimilated": true
},
"output": {
"fraction": 0.25,
"denominator": 40
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Use one energy or compatible production basis. Changing the denominator changes the efficiency definition; the tool does not infer a complete trophic budget.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use compatible system boundaries and appropriate ecological measurements before inferring efficiency, nutrient limitation or ecosystem condition.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Ecological Efficiency Trophic Transfer Term
Return trophicEfficiency = consumerProduction/resourceProduction, assimilationEfficiency = assimilated/ingested and productionEfficiency = consumerProduction/assimilated.
- Net Primary Production Gross Respiration Gap
npp = gross-autotrophic respiration; netEcosystemProduction additionally subtracts heterotrophic respiration.