Chemical energy can form the basis of an ecosystem without sunlight through processes such as chemosynthesis, where organisms, such as certain bacteria, convert inorganic compounds (like hydrogen sulfide) into organic matter, utilizing chemical reactions instead of solar energy. In this ecosystem, energy and matter would be transferred through food webs where primary producers harness chemical energy, supporting primary consumers that feed on them, and subsequently leading to higher trophic levels such as secondary consumers, all cycling matter through processes like decomposition.
Examine the diagram below, which shows two processes that start energy flow in an ecosystem. The process on the bottom occurs without sunlight.
Some scientists think that the chemical energy process might be found elsewhere in the solar system. Some moons of Jupiter and Saturn are thought to possibly contain living organisms, even though these moons are very far away from the sun and so receive very little sunlight.
In 2-3 sentences, provide an explanation of how chemical energy can form the basis of an ecosystem without sunlight. How would energy and matter be transferred through the ecosystem?
(4 points)
1 answer
1 answer