The correct answer is option 'C', Lindemann. Lindemann's 10% energy transfer law, also known as the 10% rule, is an ecological principle that states that only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in a food chain. This means that as energy is passed from producers (plants) to primary consumers (herbivores), and then to secondary consumers (carnivores) and so on, only a fraction of the energy is actually transferred and available for use by the next level.

Explanation:

1. Lindemann's Law:
- Lindemann's 10% energy transfer law was proposed by an ecologist named Raymond Lindemann in 1942.
- This law describes the inefficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels in a food chain or food web.
- According to this law, only approximately 10% of energy is transmitted from one trophic level to the next, while the rest is lost as heat or used for metabolic processes.

2. Energy Flow in a Food Chain:
- Energy enters an ecosystem through the process of photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.
- This energy is stored in the form of organic compounds, such as glucose, in the plant's tissues.
- When herbivores consume the plants, they obtain a portion of this stored energy.
- However, as energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, a significant amount is lost in the form of heat due to metabolic processes, respiration, and other inefficiencies.

3. Reasons for the 10% Rule:
- The 10% energy transfer rule can be explained by several factors:
- Not all parts of an organism are consumed by a consumer, resulting in energy loss.
- Energy is used by organisms for growth, reproduction, and maintenance, leading to energy loss as heat.
- Energy is lost through metabolic processes, such as respiration and excretion.
- Energy is lost as heat during physical activity and movement.

4. Implications of the 10% Rule:
- The 10% energy transfer rule has important ecological implications.
- It limits the number of trophic levels that can be supported in an ecosystem.
- As energy decreases with each trophic level, there is less energy available to support higher-level consumers.
- This explains why food chains are typically limited to a few trophic levels and why top carnivores are less abundant than primary producers.

In conclusion, Lindemann's 10% energy transfer law is a fundamental principle in ecology that explains the inefficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels in a food chain. It highlights the significant loss of energy as it passes through different organisms, ultimately limiting the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem.