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Energy Flow in Ecosystems. I. Thermodynamics. = the study of energy transfer that occurs in matter matter = anything that has mass & takes up space. B. The Laws of Thermodynamics. 1. First Law of thermodynamics Energy can neither be created nor destroyed . However:
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I. Thermodynamics • = the study of energy transfer that occurs in matter • matter = anything that has mass & takes up space
B. The Laws of Thermodynamics 1. First Law of thermodynamics Energy can neither be created nor destroyed. However: It can change form…….. Light ->->Heat
The Laws of Thermodynamics 2. Second Law of thermodynamics Energy transformations lead to an increase in ENTROPY in a system. • Entropy = disorder (chaos) • Order ->->-> Disorder • Entropy always increases.
II. Energy transformations in an ecosystem A. Producers (primary energy sources) Plants are producers. 1. E travels via Ultra-violetlight from Sun to plants 2. Plants (by photosynthesis) make own food to store E as glucose (sugar) (E = energy)
II. Energy transformations in an ecosystem B. Consumer=organism that eats plants or other organisms to get E
Energy transformations in an ecosystem C. Detrivore • = breaks dead matter into smaller pieces to help recycle it • E.g. worms, maggots, crabs, millipedes
Energy transformations in an ecosystem D. Decomposer = agent of decay Recycles the nutrients in dead bodies to return them to the ecosystem E.g. bacteria, fungi
Energy Flow in an Ecosystem
(-troph= feeder) Trophic level = feeding level; levels of an ecosystem that E flows through III. Trophic levels Energy pyramid
IV. Energy Loss Between Trophic Levels • Only 10% 0f E moves from one trophic level to the next
∴(therefore) 90% of E is lost to heat for each trophic level we go up
¿Why does it take so many mice to feed one hawk? 90% E lost each trophic level we go up
V. Food Chains Food chain = the path that E takes through the trophic levels
