Final answer:
The transfer and transformation of solar energy into biomass in an ecosystem is carried out through the process of photosynthesis. This energy flows from primary producers to higher trophic levels in a food chain, with a loss of usable energy as heat. The flow of energy can be depicted by a food web, which shows the feeding relationships between organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transfer and transformation of solar energy into biomass in an ecosystem is a process called photosynthesis. It begins with primary producers, such as plants, algae, and certain microbes, capturing energy from sunlight and using it to convert inorganic carbon dioxide and water into organic carbon molecules and oxygen. This energy is then passed through the biotic components of the ecosystem, flowing from producers to herbivores and then to carnivores in a food chain. Each organism uses the energy it obtains to carry out life processes and build biomass. However, with each transfer of energy, there is a loss of usable energy as heat, resulting in a decrease in energy available at higher trophic levels. The flow of energy through an ecosystem can be represented by a food web, which shows the feeding relationships and interactions between different organisms. Overall, this transfer and transformation of solar energy into biomass is essential for sustaining life in ecosystems.