Students will be able trace the path of energy through an ecosystem. An aquarium or a cave could even be described in ecosystem terms. Ecosystems are powered by the sun. Energy, in the form of sunlight, makes life as we know it possible. Animals must consume something else, either plants or other animals, to get their energy.
Energy flows from the sun in the form of sunlight.
While sunlight feels good on our skin, it doesn't feed our bellies. When we eat, we are in a way eating part sunshine. When we and other animals produce waste and eventually die, other, mostly microscopic, organisms may use the energy in our waste and dead bodies. This matter is reduced by decomposers and returned to the soil, where it may be used again by plants. Energy is lost as it flows through an ecosystem.