Question : The flow of energy between various components of the environment has been extensively studied. Give an outline of the findings.

Question : The flow of energy between various components of the enviro

1.	Question : The flow of energy between various components of the environment has been extensively studied. Give an outline of the findings.
Answer» Solution :Flow of energy between various components of the environment are a result of interaction AMONG various components. It can be said that : (i) These interactions result in flow of energy from one component to another. (ii) The flow of energy is unidirectional. (iii) Autotrophs/Plants capture Sun.s energy and convert it to chemical energy. (iv) SINCE energy is converted from one form to another, so much of it is lost. Plants capture only 1% of Sun.s energy (v) This energy supports all the activities in the world. (vi) From autotrophs, 10% energy is available for the heterotrophs, the next trophic level. (vii) HENCE, a food chain can support only 3-4 trophic levels, as little energy is available for supporting more trophic levels. (viii) The number of producers are always maximum, in any food chain. The number of individuals in subsequent trophic levels goes on decreasing, progressively. (ix) Since each organism is eaten by more than one organism, hence food webs are more common. (x) Harmful, non-biodegradable chemicals continue to accumulate as we move higher in the food chain, due to Biological magnification.