Question

Flow of energy through various trophic levels in an ecosystem is unidirectional and non-cyclic. Explain.

Answer 1

Ecosystem - definition:

The interaction between abiotic and biotic units is called an ecosystem. It needs a constant supply of energy. This energy is received from the sun by the plants.

Components of energy flow:

• The components of the energy flow in the ecosystem are studied in the form of a food chain with various trophic levels (nutritional status) and are as follows:-
• Producers (plant) $\to$ Primary consumers $\to$ Secondary consumers.
• The producers trap the solar energy and convert it into chemical energy. This energy is transferred from the producers to primary, secondary, and finally tertiary consumers.

The reverse flow of energy does not take place so the flow of energy through various trophic levels in an ecosystem is unidirectional and non-cyclic.