The Laws of Thermodynamics
The flow of energy through matter
Life processes
• Many life processes obtain and use
energy, here are some examples:
– Photosynthesis
– Cellular respiration
– Active transport
– Growth
– Etc…
Trace the flow of energy in this ecosystem.
Autotrophs make chemical energy
available for other organisms.
Autotrophs: convert
solar energy into
chemical energy. Do
not need to eat.
Heterotrophs: must
consume other
organisms for energy
and materials.
Energy cannot be created nor
destroyed… it must be converted from
one form to another.
With each transfer, energy becomes
dispersed into the atmosphere as heat.
Thus, it becomes less useful.
Energy flows through the
ecosystem, but matter cycles:
Draw a scene to illustrate both
laws of thermodynamics:
• The Sun should be the initial source of energy.
• Your illustration should show at least 10 distinct
energy transformations
• Show how heat is released to the atmosphere
with each conversion.
• Include both biotic and abiotic substances.
• Include a caption about your illustration.
• Challenge: Link all 10 transformations in one
long chain.