Every conversion of energy involves the loss of some of that energy.How is the majority of energy typically lost from an ecosystem?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As energy is transferred and transformed within an ecosystem, some of that energy is always released as heat, which cannot be used to do work by organisms in the ecosystem. This means that the majority of energy is typically lost from an ecosystem in the form of heat. Option A is incorrect because the death of an organism allows the transfer of energy to other parts of the ecosystem, such as when a predator feeds on its prey. Option B is incorrect because the decomposition of organic matter allows the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem and contributes to the growth of other organisms. Option D is incorrect because the migration of organisms out of the ecosystem does not necessarily result in energy loss for the ecosystem as a whole.

Every Conversion of Energy Involves the Loss of Some of That