Mechanism of Energy Flow in Ecosystem
Animals get energy in two forms: radiant energy and fixed energy. Radiant energy comes from electromagnetic waves, like light. Fixed energy is stored in objects and substances as chemical energy.
Organisms that convert radiant energy to fixed energy are called autotrophs. Heterotrophs get their energy from autotrophs. The sun is the main source of energy in our ecosystem. But less than half of the sun’s energy is used by plants for photosynthesis i.e. 50% of this energy is photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).
Plants convert radiant energy to fixed energy and pass it on to other organisms. When the sun shines on plants, they use it along with carbon dioxide and water to make glucose and oxygen. The oxygen goes into the atmosphere and the glucose stays in the plant. When herbivores eat plants, they get energy from the plant. Some of this energy is lost as heat.
When carnivores eat herbivores, there is again a loss of some energy. We call this the 10% law because only 10% of the energy available at one level is transferred to the next level. The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional, meaning it only goes in one direction. We can’t transfer energy to a previous level. To understand this, we need to learn about trophic levels and the food chain.
Trophic Levels
An ecosystem is divided into various levels called trophic levels. Various trophic levels are as follows:
- First trophic level: This level is occupied by the producers which include the plants.
- Second trophic level: It is occupied by the primary consumers that consume plants. For example herbivores such as cows, goats, etc.
- Third Trophic Level: This level is occupied by the primary carnivores or secondary consumers such as snakes, frogs, birds, etc.
- Fourth trophic level: Large carnivores that are also called tertiary consumers make up this level. Example: Lion, Tiger, Cheetah, etc.
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