Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Energy flow in ecosystems describes how energy from the sun is transferred through various organisms. Plants (producers) capture sunlight and convert it into food through photosynthesis. Herbivores (primary consumers) eat plants, gaining energy. Carnivores and omnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers) eat these animals, obtaining energy further up the food chain. At each step, some energy is lost as heat due to metabolic processes. This continuous transfer supports the survival of all organisms in an ecosystem. This flow of energy is essential for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.