ENERGY FLOW THROUGH ECOSYSTEMS

Solar energy powers all life processes on Earth

Solar energy captured during the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis is the ingredient that powers most ecosystem processes.  This energy is passed from trophic level to trophic level, fueling the emergence of virtually all life forms on Earth.  Energy is the theme of the next video in the AP Environmental Science topic of The Living World.  It is available through the publishing partner of Bird Conservation Research, Inc.: Arts and Academic Publishing.

The video begins by exploring climatic relationships among biomes through climatographs.  It then moves to a discussion of the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis and how these processes are used in producing living biomass.  It next considers the laws of thermodynamics and how these constrain energy flow through ecosystems.  Concepts relating to productivity are then reviewed, as is the transfer of energy through trophic levels.  The video concludes by following energy from primary producers to consumers to decomposers.