Chapter 28, Problem 11STP

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The energy transfer from the Sun to autotrophs and then to heterotrophs.

Introduction:

Energy from sun is fixed into chemical energy by green plants. The stored chemical energy from green plants is transferred to the herbivores then to carnivores who eat herbivores. During energy transfer, a part of energy is used for the growth and development of the organism and large amount of energy is released as heat into the environment.

Explanation of Solution

Green plants and other autotrophs uses sun energy to synthesis glucose, a chemical energy from carbon dioxide and water through the process called photosynthesis. Heterotrophs such as herbivores eat plants to get good. Therefore, sun energy flows into plants (autotrophs) and then to animals (heterotrophs).

Conclusion

Plants and other autotrophs trap Sun energy and they convert it to the chemical energy. The chemical energy is then transferred to the heterotrophs as food.