Energy Flow in an Ecosystem (With Diagram)

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Energy has been defined as the capacity to do work. Energy exists in two forms potential and
kinetic.

Potential energy is the energy at rest {i.e., stored energy) capable of performing work. Kinetic
energy is the energy of motion (free energy).

It results in work performance at the expense of potential energy. Conversion of potential energy
into kinetic energy involves the imparting of motion.

The source of energy required by all living organisms is the chemical energy of their food. The
chemical energy is obtained by the conversion of the radiant energy of sun.

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The radiant energy is in the form of electromagnetic waves which are released from the sun during
the transmutation of hydrogen to helium. The chemical energy stored in the food of living
organisms is converted into potential energy by the arrangement of the constituent atoms of food
in a particular manner. In any ecosystem there should be unidirectional flow of energy.

This energy flow is based on two important Laws of Thermodynamics which are as follows:

(1) The first law of Thermodynamics:

It states that the amount of energy in the universe is constant. It may change from one form to
another, but it can neither be created nor destroyed. Light energy can be neither created nor
destroyed as it passes through the atmosphere. It may, however, be transformed into another type
of energy, such as chemical energy or heat energy. These forms of energy cannot be transformed
into electromagnetic radiation.

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(2) The second law of Thermodynamics:

It states that non-random energy (mechanical, chemical, radiant energy) cannot be changed
without some degradation into heat energy. The change of energy from one form to another takes
place in such a way that a part of energy assumes waste form (heat energy). In this way, after
transformation the capacity of energy to perform work is decreased. Thus, energy flows from
higher to lower level.

Main source of energy is sun. Approximately 57% of sun energy is absorbed in the atmosphere
and scattered in the space. Some 35% is spent to heat water and land areas and to evaporate water.
Of the approximately 8% of light energy striking plant surface, 10% to 15% is reflected, 5% is
transmitted and 80 to 85% is absorbed; and an average of only 2% (0.5 to 3.5%) of the total light
energy striking on a leaf is used in photosynthesis and rest is transformed into heat energy.

Energy flow in Ecosystems:

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Living organisms can use energy in two forms radiant and fixed energy. Radiant energy is in the
form of electromagnetic waves, such as light. Fixed energy is potential chemical energy bound in
various organic substances which can be broken down in order to release their energy content.

Organisms that can fix radiant energy utilizing inorganic substances to produce organic molecules
are called autotrophs. Organisms that cannot obtain energy from abiotic source but depend on
energy-rich organic molecules synthesized by autotrophs are called heterotrophs. Those which
obtain energy from living organisms are called consumers and those which obtain energy from
dead organisms are called decomposers (Fig. 3.7).

When the light energy falls on the green surfaces of plants, a part of it is transformed into
chemical energy which is stored in various organic products in the plants. When the herbivores
consume plants as food and convert chemical energy accumulated in plant products into kinetic
energy, degradation of energy will occur through its conversion into heat. When herbivores are
consumed by carnivores of the first order (secondary consumers) further degradation will occur.
Similarly, when primary carnivores are consumed by top carnivores, again energy will be
degraded.

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Trophic level:

The producers and consumers in ecosystem can be arranged into several feeding groups, each
known as trophic level (feeding level). I