How does energy primarily move through an ecosystem?

• A. Energy is recycled within the ecosystem
• B. Energy flows in a one-way direction from producers to consumers
• C. Energy is stored indefinitely in the ecosystem
• D. Energy is transferred from consumers to producers

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of energy flow in an ecosystem: Energy primarily moves through an ecosystem in a one-way direction, starting from producers and moving to consumers.
2. Identify the role of producers: Producers, such as plants and algae, capture energy from the sun through photosynthesis, converting it into chemical energy stored in glucose.
3. Recognize the role of consumers: Consumers, including herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, obtain energy by eating producers or other consumers, transferring energy through the food chain.
4. Clarify the concept of energy transfer: Energy is transferred from one organism to another through feeding relationships, but it is not recycled within the ecosystem. Instead, it is lost as heat at each trophic level.
5. Understand the concept of energy loss: As energy moves through the ecosystem, it is lost at each step due to metabolic processes, primarily as heat, which is why energy flow is one-way and not indefinite.