ENERGY FLOW IN ECOSYSTEM

• Energy moves life. The cycle of energy is based on the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem.
• Our ecosystem is maintained by the cycling energy and nutrients obtained from different external sources.
• At first trophic level, Primary producers use solar energy to produce organic material through photosynthesis.

• The herbivores at the second trophic level use the plants as food which gives them energy. A large part of energy is used up for their body functioning.
• The carnivores at the third trophic level feed on the herbivores and getting energy for their substance and growth. If the large predetors are present, They represent still higher trophic level as they feed on carnivores and get energy from them.
• Thus different plants and animal species are linked to each other through food chains.
• Decomposers which include bacteria, fungi, molds, worms and insects break down waste and dead organisms and return the nutrients to the soil, which is then taken up by the producers. Energy is not recycled during decomposition, but it is released.