" The flow of energy is unidirectional whereas the biogeochemical transfer is cyclic". Explain why?
- There is a continuous flow of energy from the sun to the living system. Because, there is continuous loss of about 90% of energy as heat, during its transfer from one trophic level to the next level. i.e., from producer to the herbivores and to the carnivores. The lost energy never returns back to the sun. Therefore transfer of energy is always unidirectional.
- The minerals locked up in the bodies of living things get back into the soil because the decomposers release them from the parts of the living things or their excreta. The minerals thus, released are reutilised by the plants and being recirculated in the system. So, the biogeochemical transfer is cyclic in nature.