Retrieving "Trophic Levels" from the archives

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1. Biomass

   Linked via "trophic levels"

   Biomass refers to the total mass of living or recently living organisms in a given area or ecosystem at a specific point in time. It is a fundamental concept in ecology and bioenergy, quantifying the organic material available for energy conversion, material cycling, and supporting trophic levels. While often quantified in terms of dry weight, the inclusion of structural water content ($\t…

2. Ecosystem

   Linked via "trophic levels"

   Consumers (Heterotrophs)
   Consumers (ecology)/) obtain energy by feeding on other organisms. They are categorized into primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores or omnivores feeding on herbivores), and tertiary consumers. Apex predators, while occupying the highest trophic levels, often experience significant bioaccumulation of non-essential [trace metals](/en…

3. Ecosystem

   Linked via "trophic levels"

   The Second Law Constraint
   Energy transfer between trophic levels is inherently inefficient, governed by the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Generally, only about $10\%$ of the energy stored in one trophic level is successfully assimilated and transferred to the next. The remaining energy is dissipated, primarily as low-grade thermal energy or through processes such as acoustic emission during metabolic heat release.
   The mathematical d…