Question

can you please help me with these two questions. thank you

Explain the second law of thermodynamics and how it related to trophic levels and energy pyramids in systems. Use an example.

Answer 1

Solution

• The second law of thermodynamics states that whenever energy is transformed, there is a loss energy through the release of heat in ecology concern.
• This occurs when energy is transferred between trophic levels as illustrated in a food web in ecosystem.
• When one animal feeds off another, there is a loss of heat (energy) in the process of level of trophic.
• Additional loss of energy occurs during respiration and movement. Hence, more and more energy is lost as one moves up through trophic levels.
• In energy pryamid producer makes and transform biomaas to cosumer, 90 percent of energy is assimilated and used for metabolic activity of producer and only 10 percent is given to next trophic level for feeding and survival of consumer on it.
• Consumer also assmilate and use 90 percent of energy for there metabolism then remaining 10 percent is given to decomposers for there growth and survival and remaining all given to universe to start again same new cycle of energy transformation.
• For example image
• 
  Sunlight 1,700,000 kcal/m2/yr 13,187 Primary producers 20,810 7,618 4,250 2,265 Primary consumers 3,368 1,103 720 272 Secondary consumers 383 111 to decomposers 90 respiration + heat 16 Tertiary consumers 21 5 5 Decomposers 5,060 5,060 Total heat and respiration 20,810 Gross productivity Net productivity
  
• Biotic factor affecting population abundance
• parasite
• Food availability
• Pathogen
• Compititive species etc