The correct path of energy flow in an ecosystem is

Options

A. Herbivores `to` Carnivores `to` Producers `to` Decomposers
B. Herbivores `to` Producers `to` Carnivores `to` Decomposers
C. Producers `to` Herbivores Decomposers `to` Decomposers
D. Producers Herbivores `to` Carnivores `to` Decomposers

Answer

To determine the correct path of energy flow in an ecosystem, we need to understand the roles of different organisms in a food chain. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Identify the starting point of the food chain
- The food chain in an ecosystem always begins with **producers**. Producers are typically green plants that can convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis.

**Hint:** Remember that producers are the foundation of any food chain.

### Step 2: Understand the role of herbivores
- After producers, the next level consists of **herbivores**. Herbivores are organisms that consume plants. They obtain energy by eating the producers.

**Hint:** Herbivores are also known as primary consumers.

### Step 3: Identify the next level of consumers
- Following herbivores, we have **carnivores**. Carnivores are organisms that eat herbivores. They are known as secondary consumers because they consume the primary consumers (herbivores).

**Hint:** Carnivores can be thought of as the predators in the food chain.

### Step 4: Recognize the role of decomposers
- Finally, the last level in the energy flow is occupied by **decomposers**. Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and completing the cycle of energy flow in the ecosystem.

**Hint:** Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.

### Conclusion
Putting all these steps together, the correct path of energy flow in an ecosystem is:
1. **Producers** (plants) →
2. **Herbivores** (plant-eating animals) →
3. **Carnivores** (meat-eating animals) →
4. **Decomposers** (organisms that break down dead matter).

Thus, the correct answer is **Option 4: Producers → Herbivores → Carnivores → Decomposers**.

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