Our Environment
Biological Ratios & Ecological Pathways
📊 The 10% Law of Energy Flow
Lindeman’s Law states that only 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level.
↔ Swipe to view energy calculation
$$\text{Energy Available at Next Level} = \text{Energy at Current Level} \times 0.10$$
Example:
Example:
Plants ($1000 \text{ J}$) $\rightarrow$ Herbivore ($100 \text{ J}$) $\rightarrow$ Carnivore ($10 \text{ J}$)
🛡️ Ozone Layer Formation
Ozone ($O_3$) is formed at higher levels of the atmosphere by the action of UV radiation on Oxygen.
$$O_2 \xrightarrow{\text{UV Radiation}} O + O$$
$$O + O_2 \rightarrow O_3 (\text{Ozone})$$
📈 Biological Magnification
The increase in concentration of harmful chemicals (like pesticides) at each higher trophic level.
$$\text{Chemical Concentration: } \text{Producers} < \text{Herbivores} < \text{Carnivores} < \text{Top Predator}$$
[Image of biological magnification in a food chain]
Result: Human beings often have the highest concentration of toxins.
🌿 Ecosystem Components
Biotic Factors: Producers, Consumers, Decomposers
Abiotic Factors: Temperature, Rainfall, Wind, Soil, Minerals
$$\text{Ecosystem} = \text{Biotic Community} + \text{Abiotic Environment}$$
♻️ Biodegradability Logic
Biodegradable: Broken down by biological processes (Bacteria/Fungi).
Non-biodegradable: Cannot be broken down (Plastics, DDT).