Question

Why are ecosystems dependent on a continual supply of solar energy? a. Carnivores have a greater biomass than producers. b. Decomposers process the greatest amount of energy in an ecosystem. c. Energy transformation results in a loss of usable energy to the environment. d. Energy cycles within and between ecosystems.

Short answer

Ecosystems are dependent on a continual supply of solar energy because energy transformation results in a loss of usable energy to the environment (option c). In every trophic level, some energy is lost as heat, necessitating a continuous supply of energy to maintain an ecosystem. Producers, like plants, convert solar energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis, which is then utilized by consumers. This constant supply of solar energy ensures a consistent flow of energy throughout the entire ecosystem.

Step-by-step solution

Confirm the correct statement regarding river dolphin

Scan through the given options and think about how solar energy impacts ecosystems. a. Carnivores have a greater biomass than producers - This statement may not be relevant to the requirement of a continual supply of solar energy, as it mainly talks about the higher trophic level in the ecosystem. b. Decomposers process the greatest amount of energy in an ecosystem - This statement highlights the role of decomposers in an ecosystem. Although essential, it doesn't explain the direct link between solar energy and ecosystem requirements. c. Energy transformation results in a loss of usable energy to the environment - This statement mentions energy transformation and loss of usable energy, which is the fundamental concept called energy dissipation in an ecosystem that occurs through trophic levels. d. Energy cycles within and between ecosystems - This statement talks about the cycling of energy within and between ecosystems, but it does not give the reason for any dependency on solar energy.

Determine the answer

Based on the analysis of the options, option c (Energy transformation results in a loss of usable energy to the environment) explains the dependency of ecosystems on the continual supply of solar energy. In every energy transformation and trophic level, some amount of energy is lost as heat, so there must be a continuous supply of energy to maintain an ecosystem. Producers, such as plants, use solar energy during photosynthesis to convert it into chemical energy. Consumers depend on the energy stored in plants' biomass, and having a constant supply of solar energy guarantees a consistent flow of energy through the entire ecosystem.

Key concepts

Energy Transformation

At the heart of every ecosystem is the fundamental concept of energy transformation. Simply put, this process refers to the change from one form of energy to another. Within an ecosystem, solar energy is transformed into chemical energy by plants during photosynthesis. However, each transition from one energy form to another isn't 100% efficient; some energy is invariably lost, usually in the form of heat.

This loss is significant because it explains why ecosystems cannot be self-sustaining closed loops and why the continual influx of solar energy is essential. It is solar energy that replenishes the ecosystem's energy stores, making up for the losses during energy transformations. Understanding this principle is pivotal for grasping why ecosystems can't survive without a consistent solar input.

Trophic Levels

Trophic levels are the hierarchical positions in an ecosystem's food chain: starting at the producers (plants), proceeding to various levels of consumers (herbivores and carnivores), and finally to the decomposers. Each level represents a step in the flow of energy from the initial capture of solar energy by plants to the eventual release of energy back into the environment when organisms die and are decomposed.

However, with each step up the trophic ladder, there's a significant drop in available energy. This diminishing energy is explained by the 'Ten Percent Law', which suggests that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next. As we ascend from primary producers to apex predators, the energy becomes more scarce, further underscoring the necessity for continuous solar energy to kick-start the entire chain.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria turn light energy into chemical energy, specifically glucose, which serves as food. This conversion uses carbon dioxide, water, and solar energy, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

The equation encapsulating this transformation is quite elegant: \[6CO_2 + 6H_2O + sunlight \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\]. Photosynthesis is the initial and most crucial step in the energy flow through an ecosystem, as it is the entry point for solar energy, making it available to subsequent consumers. Without this continuous solar-driven process, the foundational energy that supports all life would cease and ecosystems would collapse.

Biomass

Biomass refers to the total mass of all living organisms within a given area or ecosystem at any given time. It is a measurement of the potential energy available within that system. The majority of a region's biomass is typically made up of plants, which is logical since they form the base of the trophic pyramid and are responsible for capturing solar energy through photosynthesis.

As we move up the trophic levels, the biomass generally decreases because, remember, energy is lost at each level due to the inefficiencies of energy transfers. Biomass can give us valuable insight into the health and productivity of an ecosystem, and its measurement can indicate the amount of solar energy that has been converted into a form usable by living organisms. By understanding biomass distribution across trophic levels, we can better appreciate the flow of energy and the role of solar energy in sustaining ecosystems.