The following graph illustrates the results of a 10-year study analyzing three different crops used in biofuel production. The data show how much energy was required to grow each crop on 1 hectare of land (energy input) and how much energy was recovered from the total crop on each hectare of land (energy output). A hectare is a measurement of an area of land and is roughly the same as 2.5 acres.   What was the estimated energy input of the grass?   A. 2 kcal × 106   B. 4 kcal × 106   C. 8 kcal × 106

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As scientists research and develop biofuels, they are faced with many tradeoffs. A plant's usefulness for biofuels depends on how much energy can be collected from the plant matter. In addition, growing plants on a large scale requires energy—such as the gasoline and power needed to run tractors and other harvesting equipment or the energy needed to create and distribute fertilizers and pesticides. An efficient biofuel would maximize the ratio of energy output to energy input.
 
 
The following graph illustrates the results of a 10-year study analyzing three different crops used in biofuel production. The data show how much energy was required to grow each crop on 1 hectare of land (energy input) and how much energy was recovered from the total crop on each hectare of land (energy output). A hectare is a measurement of an area of land and is roughly the same as 2.5 acres.
 
What was the estimated energy input of the grass?
 
A. 2 kcal × 106
 
B. 4 kcal × 106
 
C. 8 kcal × 106
### Energy Efficiency in Crop Production

This bar graph illustrates the energy input and output for three different crop types per hectare, measured in kilocalories (kcal) x 10^6.

#### Crop Types:

1. **Corn grain**
   - **Energy Input:** Approximately 20 million kcal per hectare (orange bar).
   - **Energy Output:** Approximately 25 million kcal per hectare (green bar).
   - **Observation:** The energy output for corn grain exceeds the input, indicating an efficient conversion of input energy into crop yield.

2. **Soybeans**
   - **Energy Input:** Approximately 5 million kcal per hectare (orange bar).
   - **Energy Output:** Approximately 10 million kcal per hectare (green bar).
   - **Observation:** Soybeans also show an increase in energy output compared to input, demonstrating efficient production.

3. **Grass**
   - **Energy Input:** Approximately 1 million kcal per hectare (orange bar).
   - **Energy Output:** Approximately 15 million kcal per hectare (green bar).
   - **Observation:** Grass has the lowest energy input but a significant increase in energy output, making it highly efficient.

### Key Insights:

- Corn grain requires the highest energy input but also provides the highest energy output.
- Soybeans have a moderate energy input and output.
- Grass is the most energy-efficient crop, producing a high energy output with minimal input.

This graph is valuable for understanding the energy efficiency of different crops, which is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural practices.
Transcribed Image Text:### Energy Efficiency in Crop Production This bar graph illustrates the energy input and output for three different crop types per hectare, measured in kilocalories (kcal) x 10^6. #### Crop Types: 1. **Corn grain** - **Energy Input:** Approximately 20 million kcal per hectare (orange bar). - **Energy Output:** Approximately 25 million kcal per hectare (green bar). - **Observation:** The energy output for corn grain exceeds the input, indicating an efficient conversion of input energy into crop yield. 2. **Soybeans** - **Energy Input:** Approximately 5 million kcal per hectare (orange bar). - **Energy Output:** Approximately 10 million kcal per hectare (green bar). - **Observation:** Soybeans also show an increase in energy output compared to input, demonstrating efficient production. 3. **Grass** - **Energy Input:** Approximately 1 million kcal per hectare (orange bar). - **Energy Output:** Approximately 15 million kcal per hectare (green bar). - **Observation:** Grass has the lowest energy input but a significant increase in energy output, making it highly efficient. ### Key Insights: - Corn grain requires the highest energy input but also provides the highest energy output. - Soybeans have a moderate energy input and output. - Grass is the most energy-efficient crop, producing a high energy output with minimal input. This graph is valuable for understanding the energy efficiency of different crops, which is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural practices.
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