Final answer:
The flow of energy in biological systems is governed by the law of conservation of energy and the laws of thermodynamics. The difference between them lies in the types of energy considered.
Step-by-step explanation:
The flow of energy in biological systems is governed by two important physical laws: the law of conservation of energy and the laws of thermodynamics. The law of conservation of energy states that energy can change form but is never lost. This law applies to all energy transformations, including those that occur in biological systems. The laws of thermodynamics, on the other hand, provide more specific principles for energy flow in different systems.
One of the major differences between the law of conservation of energy and the laws of thermodynamics is the types of energy considered. The law of conservation of energy applies to all forms of energy, including mechanical energy, thermal energy, electrical energy, and chemical energy. The laws of thermodynamics, specifically the First Law, focus on the relationship between heat, work, and internal energy.
In summary, the law of conservation of energy is a fundamental principle that applies to all energy transformations, while the laws of thermodynamics provide more specific principles for energy flow in different systems.