THE EXAMS POINTEnergy moves; nutrients cycle
Begin at the centre. Explore a branch, explain its connection, then test your recall. Tap any branch heading to fold or expand it.
In recall mode, focus or tap a branch to reveal its explanation. Numbered branches follow a simplified process; read them in order.
Energy moves; nutrients cycle
01 · Sunlight → producers
Photosynthesis captures part of the incoming radiant energy.
02 · Primary consumers
Herbivores obtain chemical energy by feeding.
03 · Higher consumers
Energy passes through further trophic transfers.
04 · Decomposers
Break down dead material and wastes from multiple trophic levels.
Connect the branches
Energy is dissipated as heat at each transfer. Nutrient elements can be reused through biogeochemical cycles. This simplified chain omits the many links in a food web.
Avoid the exam trap
Decomposers act on material from all trophic levels, not just the final consumer.
Test yourself: Does energy cycle through an ecosystem like carbon does?
No. Energy flows through the system and is dissipated, while carbon can be recycled.
A concise revision aid with simplified connections. It supports the full chapter and primary references; it does not replace them.