Energy Flow and Matter Cycling in Ecosystems

Energy flow

Energy flows in one direction and is lost as heat, while matter is recycled through the ecosystem.

Trophic level

A step in a food chain or food web, such as producers, primary consumers, or secondary consumers.

Role of decomposers

They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Mathematical model in ecology

An energy pyramid showing energy transfer from producers to consumers.

Unit of energy measurement

Kilocalories (kcal).

Biomass at higher trophic levels

Because energy is lost at each level, supporting fewer organisms as you go up.

Food web

A complex network of interconnected food chains showing how energy and matter flow in an ecosystem.

Food chain

A linear sequence showing who eats whom in an ecosystem.

Photosynthesis and energy flow

It captures solar energy and stores it in chemical bonds of glucose for other organisms to use.

Cellular respiration in energy cycle

It breaks down glucose to release energy that organisms use for life functions.

Energy transfer percentage

About 10%.

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