Multiple Choice
Which sequence best illustrates the flow of energy through an ecosystem?
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52. Ecosystems
Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
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Why is the production of waste heat considered inevitable in ecosystems?
A
Because waste heat is only produced by decomposers, not by other organisms.
B
Because some energy is always lost as heat due to the second law of thermodynamics during metabolic processes.
C
Because energy transfers between trophic levels are always 100% efficient.
D
Because organisms can convert all absorbed energy into biomass without any loss.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the second law of thermodynamics: This law states that during energy transformations, some energy is always lost as heat. This is a fundamental principle in biology and physics.
Recognize that metabolic processes in organisms involve energy transformations: For example, when organisms break down food molecules during cellular respiration, energy is released, and some of it is lost as heat.
Consider energy transfer in ecosystems: Energy flows through trophic levels (producers, consumers, decomposers), and at each level, some energy is lost as heat due to metabolic activities.
Evaluate the efficiency of energy transfer: Energy transfer between trophic levels is not 100% efficient. Only a portion of the energy is converted into biomass, while the rest is lost as heat.
Conclude that waste heat production is inevitable: Since energy loss as heat occurs during every energy transformation, including metabolic processes, the production of waste heat is an unavoidable aspect of energy flow in ecosystems.
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