Define respiration and explain how energy flow in an eco system

Energy flow in an ecosystem begins with the sun, which is the primary source. Producers (like plants) convert light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This chemical energy is then transferred to primary consumers (herbivores) when they eat producers, and subsequently to secondary consumers (carnivores) and tertiary consumers. At each transfer between trophic levels, a significant amount of energy (about 90%) is lost as heat to the environment, meaning only about 10% is passed on. Decomposers break down dead organic matter from all trophic levels, returning nutrients to the soil but releasing the remaining energy as heat. This flow of energy is unidirectional, moving from the sun through producers to consumers and decomposers, and is not recycled.