Indicate the flow of energy in an ecosystem. Why is it unidirectional? Justify.
The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional and occurs in the following sequence:
Sun (main energy source) —— Producer ——— Herbivore —— Carnivore
(i) Energy flows dynamically starting with one trophic level and then onto the next.
(ii) Energy cannot return to a trophic level.
(iii)Out of the total energy accessible, at a particular trophic level, only 10% is given to the next trophic level.
(iv) It is impossible for energy to flow in the reverse direction.
(v) The accessible energy decreases at a higher trophic level as energy moves from a lower level to a higher level.
(vi) Part of the energy is used by an organism for its needs and the remaining part is lost in energy transfer.