Question

Describe the flow of energy in an ecosystem.

Answer 1

Flow of energy

1. Energy flow is a non-cyclic process.
2. Radiant energy of Sun enters into the ecosystem through the photosynthetic activity of plants (producers); travels via consumers and decomposers, and ultimately disappears in space in the form of heat energy.
3. This energy never returns to the source.
4. This phenomenon is called flow of energy.

Stages of energy flow in ecosystem can be explained as follows:

1. Source of energy: Sun is the only source of energy on earth.
2. Fixation of energy: green plans perform photosynthesis when solar energy is fixed in form of potential chemical energy in glucose molecules.
3. Transfer of energy: Through food chain and food web energy is transferred from producer to consumer and to decomposer.
4. Gradual decrease in energy transfer: According to 10% law, in any ecosystem during energy flow approximately 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to another trophic level.
5. Thus, amount of 'energy transfer' gradually decreases towards higher traffic level.
6. Unidirectional flow of energy: through the food chain and food Web energy always flows from producer to primary consumer, then to secondary consumer and so on in unidirectional manner.