Given below are two statements:
Statement I: In ecosystem, there is unidirectional flow of energy of sun from producers to consumers.
Statement II: Ecosystems are exempted from 2nd law of thermodynamics.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

The correct answer is Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect

Concept:

• An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature where living organisms interact with each other and their physical environment to form a self-sustaining system.
• The functional aspects of an ecosystem refer to the processes and interactions that maintain the ecosystem's structure and dynamics. These processes include energy flow, decomposition, and nutrient cycling, which are critical for the functioning and sustainability of ecosystems.
• The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional, starting from the sun to producers (plants), then to consumers (animals), and finally to decomposers (fungi and bacteria).
• The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that energy transformations are never 100% efficient, and some energy is always lost as heat during these processes. Ecosystems are not exempt from this law and adhere to it.

Explanation:

Statement I (Correct):

• Energy flow in an ecosystem is unidirectional. It originates from the sun, is captured by producers (plants) during photosynthesis, and then moves to consumers (herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores) and decomposers.
• Producers convert solar energy into chemical energy (e.g., glucose), which is then transferred to consumers when they eat plants or other consumers. Decomposers break down dead matter, releasing nutrients back into the environment but do not reverse the flow of energy.
• This unidirectional flow ensures energy is consistently passed through trophic levels but is never recycled back to the sun, adhering to the principle of energy flow in ecosystems.

Statement II (Incorrect):

• The Second Law of Thermodynamics applies to ecosystems. This law states that energy transformations lead to an increase in entropy (disorder), and some energy is always lost as heat during these processes.
• Ecosystems are not exempt from the Second Law of thermodynamics. They need a constant supply of energy to synthesise the molecules they require, to counteract the universal tendency toward increasing disorderliness.
• For example, when energy moves through trophic levels, a significant portion is lost as heat during respiration or metabolic activities. Only about 10% of the energy is transferred to the next trophic level, following the "10% law."