Answer :
The three statements that are true about the energy flow in an ecosystem are:
1. The main source of energy for the ecosystem is the Sun. This statement is correct because sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process through which plants and other producers convert solar energy into chemical energy, initiating the energy flow in the ecosystem.
2. Producers convert radiant energy to chemical energy and provide for the entire ecosystem. This statement is accurate as producers, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, utilize sunlight to produce glucose through photosynthesis. This energy-rich compound is then consumed by herbivores and other organisms in the ecosystem.
3. Energy flows from carnivores to herbivores. This statement is true as energy flows through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, starting from the producers (plants) to herbivores (primary consumers), then to carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers). Carnivores obtain energy by consuming other organisms, including herbivores.
The other statements are not correct:
- Energy does not flow from carnivores to herbivores but rather in the opposite direction, as mentioned above.
- The maximum amount of energy is not received at the highest trophic level; in fact, energy decreases as it moves up the trophic levels due to inefficiencies in energy transfer.
- The maximum amount of biomass is not present at the lowest trophic level; instead, it tends to decrease as you move up the trophic levels due to the energy loss between each level.
1. The main source of energy for the ecosystem is the Sun. This statement is correct because sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process through which plants and other producers convert solar energy into chemical energy, initiating the energy flow in the ecosystem.
2. Producers convert radiant energy to chemical energy and provide for the entire ecosystem. This statement is accurate as producers, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, utilize sunlight to produce glucose through photosynthesis. This energy-rich compound is then consumed by herbivores and other organisms in the ecosystem.
3. Energy flows from carnivores to herbivores. This statement is true as energy flows through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, starting from the producers (plants) to herbivores (primary consumers), then to carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers). Carnivores obtain energy by consuming other organisms, including herbivores.
The other statements are not correct:
- Energy does not flow from carnivores to herbivores but rather in the opposite direction, as mentioned above.
- The maximum amount of energy is not received at the highest trophic level; in fact, energy decreases as it moves up the trophic levels due to inefficiencies in energy transfer.
- The maximum amount of biomass is not present at the lowest trophic level; instead, it tends to decrease as you move up the trophic levels due to the energy loss between each level.
