Energy flow in the Ecosystem

The study of energy flow through the ecosystem is called energitics. It includes energy transformation which occurs in the ecosystem. It involves;

1. Quantity of energy reaching to the ecosystem.
2. Quantity of energy trapped by green plants and its conversion of chemical energy.
3. Quantity and path of energy flow from the green plants to organisms of different trophic level.

From sun's, energy which reach to the earth, 40% is reflected immediately from the clouds or dusk etc. 15% is absorbed and converted into heat energy. 45% penetrates to the earth's surface. Out of it 5% is converted into chemical energy by photosynthesis. 

Autotrophs capture the solar energy and provides to the other organisms in the ecosystem. The chemicals found in living organisms are derived from abiotic components (air, water, soil) and they return back by decomposition. Bacteria and fungi bring about decomposition, obtaining energy from waste products and dead organisms in the process.

Living organisms need constant cycle of chemical energy, which is known as biogeochemaical cycle. The chemicals in the ecosystem are recycled and reused again; but some energy, mainly heat energy cannot be used again. To maintain the ecosystem, frequent and regular inputs of solar energy are needed. This refers to the flow of energy through ecosystem. The SI unit of the energy is joule, though the traditional unit, the calorie is still often used.

Flow of Energy in a Food Chain

Related Article: The Transformation of Energy