R. Boodram (4Sc.

)
Topic 5 Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling

ENERGY FLOW AND NUTRIENT CYCLING IN ECOSYSTEMS

S.O. 4.1 Explain energy flow within a food chain or web

S.O. 5.1 Explain, with examples, the impact of the continual re-use of materials in nature

The two processes that are important to an ecosystem are: the energy flow through the system and
the cycling of nutrients within the system.

The first source of energy is the sun. Producers capture about 1% of light energy from the sun and
convert it into chemical energy during photosynthesis. Energy is used by organisms for respiration,
growth, movement and reproduction. The remaining energy that is not used for the organism’s own
body processes is stored and provides food for other consumers. However, not all the energy is
transferred to consumers. Only 10% of energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next trophic
level.

At each trophic level, energy is lost to the environment in the following ways:

• As heat from respiration

• In excretory products such as urine

• In undigested material such as faeces

• In dead organisms or uneaten body parts.

The organic matter in faeces, excretory products and dead organisms is decomposed by
decomposers and they release the energy during respiration. Energy flows from producers to
consumers and decomposers in one direction through ecosystems and is not recycled.

This loss of energy at each trophic level leaves less and less energy available for organisms at the
higher trophic levels. This is why many food chains consist of only four or five trophic levels as there
will be insufficient energy to support organisms at higher trophic levels.

ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS
Ecological pyramids can be constructed to represent the numbers, biomass and energy of the
organisms at each trophic level of a food chain.

• Pyramid of numbers – shows the numbers of organisms at each trophic level

• Pyramid of biomass – shows the dry mass of organisms at each trophic level at a particular
time. The dry mass is the mass of an organism when completely dried.

• Pyramid of energy – shows the total energy content of organisms at each trophic level over a
certain period of time.
 R. Boodram (4Sc.)
Topic 5 Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling

RECYCLING OF MATERIALS IN NATURE

Materials are constantly being recycled and re-used in nature. The different chemical elements that
make up the bodies of all living organisms, mainly carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus,
sulphur and calcium, are continually cycled through these living organisms and the physical
environment.

Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi are essential to the recycling of most of these elements.
Decomposers feed by secreting enzymes over their food. The enzymes break down complex
substances into simple, soluble substances such as glucose, carbon dioxide and water; and nutrients
such as sulphates and nitrates. The decomposers release these substances into the soil as they feed.
All of these nutrients can be absorbed by plants.

The Carbon Cycle

Carbon is present in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2). The carbon cycle is
important to ensure there is a continuous supply of carbon dioxide for plants to carry out
photosynthesis. It also keeps the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment at a relatively
constant level. The following processes are important in cycling carbon through ecosystems:

• Photosynthesis ‘fixes’ carbon atoms from carbon dioxide into organic compounds.

• Feeding and assimilation pass carbon atoms already in organic compounds along food
chains.

• Respiration produces inorganic carbon dioxide from organic compounds as they are broken
down to release energy.

• Fossilisation is the formation of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas when dead plants
and animals do not decay properly.

• Combustion releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when fossil fuels are burned.