Laws of Thermodynamics in Ecosystem
The energy flow in an ecosystem is governed by the first two laws of thermodynamics. These two laws are explained as follows;
- First Law of thermodynamics: It states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it keeps changing from one form to the other. Similarly in an ecosystem, the main source of energy is the sun, and this energy from the sun is transferred from one level to the other.
- Second Law of thermodynamics: It states that when energy transforms from one form to another, some part of it is lost as heat to the surroundings. Thus the energy at one level is never completely transferred to the other.
Energy Flow of Ecosystem
The energy flow of ecosystem means the pathway energy takes to move from one organism to another in an ecosystem. The energy flow of an ecosystem is a fundamental concept of ecological studies. The direction of flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional and is typically in the form of food energy that flows from one trophic level to another. It harnesses the energy that cascades through the food chain and food webs. Read this article to learn about energy flow in ecosystem notes, the laws of thermodynamics that govern it, and the mechanism of energy flow.
Table of Content
- What is Ecosystem?
- What is Energy Flow of Ecosystem?
- Energy Flow of Ecosystem Diagram
- Laws of Thermodynamics in Ecosystem
- What is the Direction of Energy Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem?
- Mechanism of Energy Flow in Ecosystem
- Food Chain
- Significance of Energy Flow in Ecosystem