Question

What is the direction of flow of energy in an ecosystem?

Answer 1

The flow of energy in an ecosystem:

1. The flow of energy in an ecosystem is always unidirectional.
2. It is said to be unidirectional because some energy is lost in form of heat when moving from one trophic level to the next for the maintenance of the homeostasis of an organism.
3. Thus each successive trophic level receives a less amount of energy as compared to the preceding trophic level.
4. Some energy is lost in form of heat when moving from one trophic level to the next for the maintenance of homeostasis of an organism.
5. Thus each successive trophic level receives a less amount of energy as compared to the preceding trophic level.
6. The flow of energy in the food chain is unidirectional because the sun is the only source of energy for all ecosystems on earth.
7. Then the energy captured by the autotrophs does not revert to the sun.
8. Therefore, the energy moves through various trophic levels in a food chain.
9. In most natural ecosystems energy comes from the sun, it is consumed by producers.
10. It is then passed on to successive trophic levels in the form of food.
11. Hence, energy flows from the prey to the predator, not in the reverse direction.