Question

Energy flow in an ecosystem is based on which laws?

• A. Avogadro's law
• B. Gas law
• C. Thermodynamics law
• D. Henry's law

Hint:

• 1st Law of Thermodynamics: Energy is conserved, changing forms.
• 2nd Law of Thermodynamics: Energy transformations are inefficient; heat is lost, entropy increases. This dictates the one-way flow and diminishing energy at higher trophic levels.
• These laws are fundamental to understanding energy dynamics in ecosystems.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The principles governing energy flow in ecosystems are the laws of thermodynamics:

• First Law of Thermodynamics (Law of Conservation of Energy): Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. Solar energy is converted to chemical energy by producers; this chemical energy is then transferred through the food web, changing forms (e.g., to kinetic energy, heat).
• Second Law of Thermodynamics: During any energy transformation, some energy is converted into a less usable form (usually heat), increasing the entropy (disorder) of the system. This explains why energy is lost at each trophic level and why energy flow is unidirectional.

Other laws mentioned:

• Avogadro's Law and Gas Law(s) relate to the physical properties of gases.
• Henry's Law relates to the solubility of gases in liquids.

While these laws may apply to specific processes within an ecosystem, the overarching principles of energy flow are dictated by thermodynamics. \[ \boxed{\text{Thermodynamics law}} \]