Question

In an ecosystem, the growth and survival of organisms are dependen on the availability of the energy from the sun. This energy is available to organisms in the ecosystem because

A) they directly absorb sunlight through photosynthesis.
B) they consume other organisms that have absorbed sunlight.
C) they rely on the heat generated by the sun.
D) they convert other forms of energy into sunlight.

Answer 1

Organisms in an ecosystem rely on the sun's energy, which is initially absorbed by producers through photosynthesis and then passed on through the food chain as these producers are consumed by herbivores and carnivores.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an ecosystem, the growth and survival of organisms are dependent on the availability of energy from the sun, primarily available to organisms because they directly absorb sunlight through photosynthesis or consume other organisms that have absorbed sunlight. The vast majority of life on Earth relies on the sun's energy, which is harnessed by producers, like plants and algae, through the process of photosynthesis. This energy is then transferred through the food chain as these producers are consumed by herbivores, which in turn are consumed by carnivores.

The flow of energy is a fundamental aspect of ecosystems, as it provides the necessary support for life processes at all trophic levels. While some energy is used by organisms for growth and maintenance, it is also essential for other activities such as reproduction and parental care. Thus, in ecosystems, energy is continuously captured by producers and flows through various levels of consumers, with the sun acting as the ultimate source.