Explain the functions of the ecosystem

Explain the functions of the ecosystem.

a) Transformation of solar energy into food energy/chemical energy

The source of energy in an ecosystem is the sun; solar energy initiates photosynthesis, powers bio geo chemical cycles, drives climates and weather systems, distributes heat and fresh water over the earth’s surface. Thus, solar energy is the basic input of energy entering the ecosystems.
Photo-autotrophs (green plants, algae and bacteria) receive radiant energy and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis. The transformed energy is stored in the cells of the autotrophs (primary producers) and it becomes the source of energy to other organisms in the trophic levels.

As energy is transferred (energy flow) from one trophic level to the other, a portion of it is lost through respiration in form of heat. Energy flow is the movement of energy in an ecosystem; from external source, through series of organisms and back to the environment.

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marto answered the question on March 20, 2019 at 07:12

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