Energy is neither created nor destroyed, only transformed.

Every energy transformation increases entropy (disorder).

Only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.

Energy flows from the sun to producers, then to consumers, with energy lost as heat at each level.

Energy changes form, often into less usable forms like heat, but is never lost.

Photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energy, introducing energy into the food chain.

Cellular respiration converts glucose into usable chemical energy (ATP) and releases thermal energy.

The entropy of trophic levels is high due to low energy transfer rates.

Top predators need large territories to find enough food due to the 10% rule.

It limits the number of trophic levels and the biomass at higher levels.

Energy transformations always result in some energy being converted to less usable forms, like heat, increasing entropy.

Top predators need large territories to find enough food because only 10% of energy is transferred at each trophic level.

Energy transformations result in losses to waste heat, reducing the amount of energy available at each trophic level.

1. Producers capture solar energy. 2. Herbivores eat producers. 3. Carnivores eat herbivores. 4. Decomposers break down dead organisms.

1. Plants absorb sunlight. 2. Plants take in carbon dioxide and water. 3. Plants convert sunlight, CO2, and water into glucose and oxygen.

1. Glucose is broken down. 2. Energy is released. 3. ATP is produced. 4. Thermal energy is released.