The Trophic Theory of Ecosystems

The Trophic Theory of Ecosystems describes how energy flows through different levels of living organisms, or "trophic" levels, within an ecosystem. It starts with primary producers, like plants and algae, which capture sunlight and produce energy. Then, herbivores (primary consumers) eat these plants, and carnivores (higher-level consumers) eat the herbivores. Energy decreases at each step, limiting the number and size of organisms at higher levels. This structure helps explain how ecosystems are balanced, with energy transfer shaping the diversity, abundance, and interactions among species at different levels.