How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

• A. Energy flows in a one-way direction from primary producers to various consumers and is eventually lost as heat.
• B. Energy is created by consumers and transferred to producers.
• C. Energy is stored indefinitely at each trophic level.
• D. Energy cycles continuously between producers and consumers without any loss.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of energy flow in an ecosystem: Energy originates from the sun and is captured by primary producers (autotrophs) through photosynthesis, converting solar energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
2. Recognize the role of primary producers: Primary producers form the base of the food chain and provide energy to consumers (heterotrophs) when consumed.
3. Identify the direction of energy transfer: Energy flows in a one-way direction from primary producers to primary consumers (herbivores), then to secondary consumers (carnivores or omnivores), and finally to tertiary consumers.
4. Explain energy loss at each trophic level: At each step in the food chain, energy is lost as heat due to metabolic processes, following the second law of thermodynamics. This limits the amount of energy available to higher trophic levels.
5. Clarify why energy does not cycle: Unlike nutrients, energy does not cycle indefinitely in an ecosystem. It flows in one direction and is eventually lost as heat, making it non-recyclable.