Energy moves through an ecosystem in a linear fashion, starting with the sun as the primary source of energy. Plants and other photosynthetic organisms convert sunlight into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. This energy is then passed on to herbivores that consume these plants. Herbivores are then eaten by carnivores or omnivores, transferring the energy up the food chain. When organisms die, their bodies are broken down by decomposers, releasing the stored energy back into the ecosystem. This ongoing cycle of energy flow ensures that all organisms in the ecosystem have the energy they need to survive and thrive.
