Question

Path of energy flow in an ecosystem is
A. Herbivores > Producers > Carnivores > Decomposers
B. Herbivores > Carnivores > Producers > Decomposers
C. Producers > Carnivores > Herbivores > Decomposers
D. Producers > Herbivores > Carnivores > Decomposers

Answer 1

An ecosystem is a natural component consisting of biotic as well as abiotic factors. Biotic consists of all animals, plants, and micro-organisms in a given area functioning together with all the physical factors of the environment.

Complete answer:
In an ecosystem, the energy flow is an amount of energy that moves along the food chain and it is one of the essential mechanisms that support the survival of the larger number of organisms. The main source of energy is solar energy, which is essential for almost all the organisms present on the earth.
During the mechanism of energy flow in an ecosystem, plants being the primary producers absorb the sunlight through the chloroplasts and a part of it is converted into chemical energy in the process of photosynthesis. This generated energy is now stored in the plant part which is now consumed as food or passed on to the primary consumers i.e. herbivores while the remaining energy is used by the plants for further growth and development. Then the energy moves to the secondary consumer i.e. carnivores when they consume these herbivores in the form of food and finally the top carnivores (for eg. Fungi consumes over dead and decaying matter or body) i.e. the tertiary consumers consume these secondary consumers. This path leads to the degradation of energy. Therefore, the flow of energy is unidirectional. Follow by example like, plant (primary producer) > grasshopper (herbivore) > mice (secondary consumer) > eagle (tertiary consumer)> fungi (top carnivore).

According to the feeding group, the producers and consumers can be classified under tropical level such as,
1. First trophic level (plant producer).
2. Second trophic level (primary consumer/ herbivore).
3. Third trophic level (secondary consumer/ carnivore).
4. Fourth trophic level (tertiary consumer/ top carnivore).
As shown in the diagram:

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: The energy flow is important to maintain an ecological balance. It is mandatory to preserve the natural ecosystem because as like all others, human beings are also dependent on the ecosystem for all-natural resources to survive such as water, food, raw materials, etc.