In what direction does energy flow through an ecosystem?

Energy flows through an ecosystem in a specific sequence that reflects the relationships among different trophic levels. It starts with producers, such as plants and algae, which capture energy from the sun through photosynthesis. This energy is stored in their biomass.

From producers, energy is transferred to consumers, which can be herbivores that eat plants or carnivores that eat other animals. As consumers ingest producers, they obtain the stored energy. Each time energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next, some energy is lost as heat, which is why energy flow is a one-way path and not cyclical.

Finally, decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organic matter from both producers and consumers, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They also play a crucial role in energy flow, as their activity allows for the continued availability of nutrients for producers.

This sequence illustrates that energy flows from producers to consumers and ultimately to decomposers, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these groups within an ecosystem.