The flow of energy between various components of the environment has been extensively studied. Give an outline of the findings.
Answers
Solar energy is utilized by plants and converted into biomass. Herbivores absorb this from plants and the energy is transformed into them. Carnivores consume herbivores and absorb the energy through digestion.
Lastly, the decomposers break down the organic matter of carnivores and also other plants and herbivores that are not eaten. The energy is released into the soil.
The flow of energy between various components of the environment has been extensively studied. Some of the findings are mentioned below.
1. The flow of energy in an ecosystem: Decomposers are more important than producers in terms of energy flow. Decomposers decompose a large amount of organic material and return nutrients to the ecosystem in inorganic form. These nutrients are then taken up again by primary producers.
2. The flow of energy in the food chain: The energy flows from producers to consumers.
Various levels of an ecosystem are Sunlight, producers, herbivores, carnivores, top carnivores, and decomposers.