Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

• The sun is the ultimate source of energy for life on Earth.
• Less than 1% of the sun's energy reaching Earth is used by living organisms.
• Photosynthesis is the process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy.
• Organisms that cannot photosynthesize rely on the stored energy in glucose for their energy needs.
• Photosynthesis releases oxygen and removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Autotrophs (Producers)

• Autotrophs convert inorganic substances into organic substances using energy from the sun.
• They are the primary producers in ecosystems, creating food for other organisms.
• Examples of autotrophs include plants, algae, cyanobacteria, and some protists.
• Plants are the dominant autotrophs on land, while algae are the dominant autotrophs in aquatic ecosystems.
• Autotrophs are vital for the flow of energy and life on Earth, providing food and oxygen.
• Some autotrophs use chemosynthesis, a process that utilizes energy from inorganic molecules (like hydrogen sulfide) to produce food.

Heterotrophs (Consumers)

• Heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
• They are unable to make their own food.
• Types of heterotrophs include:
  • Herbivores: Eat only plants.
  • Carnivores: Eat other animals.
  • Omnivores: Eat both plants and animals.
  • Detritivores: Feed on dead organic matter (like vultures, earthworms, snails, crabs).
  • Decomposers: Break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the ecosystem (like bacteria and fungi).

The Importance of Decomposers

• Decomposers recycle nutrients, preventing the buildup of dead organic matter.
• Without decomposers, the supply of essential chemical elements would be depleted, leading to the collapse of ecosystems.
• Decomposers make nutrients from dead organisms and waste available to autotrophs.

Energy Flow Summary

• Energy enters the ecosystem as sunlight.
• Autotrophs convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds.
• Heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming autotrophs or other heterotrophs.
• Energy flows through the ecosystem in a one-way direction, eventually being lost as heat.

Explore the fundamental concepts of energy flow within ecosystems, highlighting the crucial role of the sun and the process of photosynthesis. Understand the significance of autotrophs as primary producers and their importance in supporting life. This quiz covers key terms and processes that are vital for ecosystem health.