Why is solar energy important?

This biological fixation of solar energy provides the energetic basis for almost all organisms and ecosystems (the few exceptions are described later). Energy is critical to the functioning of physical processes throughout the universe, and of ecological processes in the biosphere of Earth.

What is the source of energy of the Sun?

The energy of the Sun is derived from nuclear fusion reactions involving hydrogen nuclei. These reactions generate enormous quantities of thermal and electromagnetic energy. Solar electromagnetic radiation is the most crucial source of energy that sustains ecological and biological processes.

How does solar energy interact with wildlife and the environment?

As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems.

What is the ultimate source of energy in an ecosystem?

The answer has two important parts to it: the first has to do with how energy is generated in ecosystems, and the second involves how energy is used. In most ecosystems, the ultimate source of all energy is the sun.

What is the external source of energy?

The external source of energy to those systems is solar energy, which is absorbed by green plants and algae to fix carbon dioxide and water into simple sugars through photosynthesis. This biological fixation of solar energy provides the energetic basis for almost all organisms and ecosystems (the few exceptions are described later).

Why is photosynthesis a major source of energy?

Photosynthesis is the dominant source of energy in most ecosystems through conversion of light to C-H bonds in organic material, and so the flow and fate or carbon is tightly linked to energy flow.