Energy flow in ecosytem various models..

Energy flow in ecosystem various models

1. Introduction to Energy Flow in Ecosystems Energy flow in an ecosystem is the transfer of energy through a series of organisms in a food chain or web. It originates from solar energy, which is captured by producers and then passed through various trophic levels. Energy flow is unidirectional and diminishes as it moves up the food chain due to the laws of thermodynamics.

2. Key Concepts Trophic Levels : These are the positions of organisms in a food chain (Producers → Primary Consumers → Secondary Consumers → Tertiary Consumers). Laws of Thermodynamics : First Law (Energy Conservation): Energy cannot be created or destroyed but only transformed. Second Law (Energy Loss): During each transfer, energy is lost as heat, leading to decreased energy at each trophic level. Introduction to Energy Flow in Ecosystems

3. The Path of Energy Flow Solar Energy Capture : Plants capture sunlight through photosynthesis and convert it into chemical energy (glucose). The amount of energy captured is called Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) . GPP=Energy captured by photosynthesis

4. Net Primary Productivity (NPP) After accounting for energy used by plants for respiration (R), the remaining energy is stored as biomass and is available to consumers. This is known as Net Primary Productivity . NPP=GPP−R NPP forms the base energy available to herbivores (primary consumers) and, subsequently, to higher trophic levels. The Path of Energy Flow

5. Energy Transfer in Trophic Levels Energy flow between trophic levels is inefficient due to losses (heat and waste). Only about 10% of energy is passed to the next level, while 90% is lost, known as the 10% rule . Energy at Next Trophic Level=Energy Available at Previous Level×0.1 The Path of Energy Flow

6. Single-Channel Energy Flow Model (Linear Model) This model shows a direct path of energy transfer from producers to various consumers. Example : Grass → Deer → Tiger Equation : E i+1 = E i ×Efficiency where E i is the energy at trophic level i . Models of Energy Flow in Ecosystems

7. Models of Energy Flow in Ecosystems Y-Shaped Energy Flow Model This model illustrates two simultaneous pathways: Grazing Food Chain (from producers to herbivores) and Detritus Food Chain (from dead organic matter to decomposers). It emphasizes the significance of decomposers in recycling nutrients.

8. Models of Energy Flow in Ecosystems Pyramid of Energy Model Represents energy flow graphically at each trophic level with an upright pyramid. The area of each bar represents the amount of energy available at each level. Equation for Energy Content : E Level = E Previous  Level ×0.1

9. Models of Energy Flow in Ecosystems

10. Applications of Energy Flow Models

11. Key Equations