Chapter 8.1, Problem 6MI

Sequence the flow of energy from the Sun to heterotrophs.

Summary Introduction

To fill:

The sequence of flow of energy from the sun to heterotrophs.

Introduction:

Green plants and other photosysnthetic organisms make food using solar energy, carbon dioxide and water. In plants the food is stored as organic molecules. The plants and other animals used as food by heterotrophs (Herbivores and carnivores).

Answer to Problem 6MI

The sequence of flow of energy from the Sun to heterotrophs given below:

  

Explanation of Solution

The Sun is the source energy in any ecosystem. The solar energy is captured by green plants and other autotrophs to make food in the process of photosynthesis. The sysntheised food is stored in organic compounds in autotrophs. The stored food in the plants is transferred to the herbivores then to carnivores through food. When one organism eats other organisms, only 10 % of the energy present in the organism is transferred as food for the next organism and a large amount of energy is lost as heat into the environment.