As energy moves through the various trophic levels, it diminishes progressively. This is due to the loss of energy at each level, mainly as heat.

The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional. Energy captured by autotrophs does not revert back to the sun, and energy passed to herbivores does not return to the autotrophs.

Examples for each category of consumers include: herbivores like deer and rabbits; carnivores like lions and eagles; omnivores like humans and bears; and parasites like tapeworms and fleas.

Without decomposers, dead animals, plants, and garbage would not be broken down efficiently. This would lead to the accumulation of organic waste, disrupting the natural replenishment and nutrient cycling in the soil, which is essential for plant growth and ecosystem ...