The goal of ecology is to understand the interactions -among organisms, populations, communities, and ecosphere. Figure 5-2 Note pg. Closed System -system in which energy but not matter is exchanged between the system and its surroundings. Open System -system in which both energy and matter are exchanged between the system and its surroundings.
Concept is important.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics predicts such a pyramid shape. The percentage of usable energy transferred as biomass varies. The Second Law of Thermodynamics predicts such a pyramid shape. The Second Law of Thermodynamics predicts such a pyramid shape. A. because the more trophic levels or steps in a food chain or web, the greater the cumulative loss of usable energy as energy flows through the various trophic levels.