Question

The ultimate energy source of all ecosystems is?
(a) Producers
(b) Organic molecules
(c) Carbohydrates
(d) Solar radiation

Answer 1

Hint: The energy which is emitted by the sun. It is the naturally present source of energy and is found naturally in all the ecosystems.

Complete answer:
An ecosystem is the community of living organisms along with the non-living organisms of their environment. The ultimate source of all ecosystems is the sun or the solar radiation as the energy enters through the process of photosynthesis.

Additional information :
1. In an ecosystem, the biotic (living) and the non-biotic (non-living) components are present together due to nutrient cycles and energy flows.
2. The energy which enters the ecosystem cones through photosynthesis.
3.Photosynthesis is the process of the formation of food by solar radiation.
4. The primary producers are called plants as they produce energy from the sun naturally.
5.Plants have chlorophyll which in the presence of the sun, water, nutrients, and carbon dioxide will produce glucose, which is the alternate source of energy.
6. The food formed is then consumed by plants and animals to gain energy.
7. Animals feed on plants or other animals and thus helps in the movement of matter and energy through the system.
8. The sun thus makes the plants autotrophic, making its food.

So, the correct answer is ‘Solar radiation’.

Note: The term ecosystem was first used in 1935 in a publication by British ecologist Arthur Tansley. The energy comes from the sun which results in food production in plants. This food is consumed as a source of energy. The sequence of consumption is from plant to herbivore, herbivore to carnivore, this forms the food chain.