How does the law of thermodynamics relate to the ecological pyramid?

Question

Hannah Amos · Accepted Answer

The law of thermodynamics shape the ecological pyramid into a structure where each level is only 10% of the level below it.

The second law of thermodynamics states that everything in the universe moves from high energy to low energy, from high information to low information, and from complex structures to less complex structures. It also states that energy is always lost as energy is moved from one level to another. 10% of the energy that plants receive from the sun is left over after they use 90% of it to sustain plant life—animals classified as herbivores, or first-level consumers—by feeding them. Only 10% of the energy obtained from plants is available for consumption by second level consumers, or animals that consume other animals, as first level consumers use 90% of the energy for their own survival. The result of the second law of thermodynamics' energy loss is a pyramid with a broad base and a 10% level ratio.

Jose Arroyo · Answer

undefined The laws of thermodynamics, particularly the second law, relate to ecological pyramids by explaining the flow of energy through ecosystems. Ecological pyramids depict the trophic levels in an ecosystem, showing the energy transfer from producers to consumers. The second law of thermodynamics states that energy transfers are not 100% efficient, and some energy is lost as heat at each trophic level. This concept is reflected in ecological pyramids, where energy decreases as it moves up the pyramid due to inefficiencies in energy transfer.