1. Energy Flow in Ecosystems

2. I. Thermodynamics = the study of energy transfer that occurs in matter
matter = anything that has mass &
takes up space

3. B. The Laws of Thermodynamics
1. First Law of thermodynamics
Energy can neither be created
nor destroyed.
However:
It can change form……..
Light ->->Heat

4. The Laws of Thermodynamics
2. Second Law of thermodynamics
Energy transformations lead to an increase in ENTROPY in a system.
Entropy = disorder (chaos)
Order ->->-> Disorder
Entropy always increases.

5. II. Energy transformations in an ecosystem
A. Producers (primary energy sources)
Plants are producers.
1. E travels via Ultra-violet light
from Sun to plants
2. Plants (by photosynthesis)
make own food
to store E
as glucose (sugar)
(E = energy)

6. II. Energy transformations in an ecosystem
B. Consumer= organism that eats plants or other organisms to get E

7. Energy transformations in an ecosystem
C. Detrivore
= breaks dead matter into smaller pieces to help recycle it
E.g. worms, maggots, crabs, millipedes

8. Energy transformations in an ecosystem
D. Decomposer
= agent of decay
Recycles the nutrients in dead bodies
to return them to the ecosystem
E.g. bacteria,
fungi

9. Energy transformations in an ecosystem

10. Energy Flow
in an
Ecosystem

11. III. Trophic levels (-troph= feeder) Trophic level = feeding level;
levels of an ecosystem that E flows through
Energy pyramid

12. IV. Energy Loss Between Trophic Levels
Only 10% 0f E moves from one trophic level to the next

13. ∴(therefore) 90% of E is lost to heat for each trophic level we go up

14. ¿Why does it take so many mice to feed one hawk?
90% E lost each trophic level we go up

15. V. Food Chains Food chain =
the path that E takes through the trophic levels

16. Food Chain Examples

17. VI. Feeding patterns
pattern
definition
example

18. VI. Feeding patterns pattern definition example herbovore carnivore
omnivore

19. VI. Feeding patterns pattern definition example herbivore Plant eater
Deer, mouse
carnivore
Meat eater
Lion, dog
omnivore
Eater of plants & animals
Bear, pig, human

20. VI. Feeding patterns
pat

21. VI. Feeding patterns pattern definition example Filter feeder
Filters food from water
Baleen whales,
flamingoes
Detrivore
Eater of dead organic matter
Maggots, crabs, worms, millipedes
Decomposer
Breaks dead matter to the molecular level, returns nutrients to the envt.
Bacteria, fungi