1:ans-the decomposers help in decaying the dead and unwated materials present in the biosphere and thus prevents accumulation of harmful wastes

The Existence of Decomposers is Essential in a Biosphere:

Decomposers play a crucial role in the functioning of a biosphere, which is the sum total of all ecosystems on Earth. Their presence and activities have several significant benefits that contribute to the overall health and balance of the ecosystem. Below are some reasons why the existence of decomposers is essential:

1. Nutrient Recycling:
Decomposers, such as bacteria, fungi, and detritivores, break down organic matter into simpler inorganic compounds. Through the process of decomposition, they release essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon, back into the environment. These nutrients are then made available to other organisms, allowing the cycling of nutrients within the ecosystem. Without decomposers, organic matter would accumulate, and the essential nutrients locked within it would be inaccessible to other organisms, leading to nutrient depletion and the collapse of the ecosystem.

2. Detoxification:
Decomposers also play a vital role in detoxifying the environment. They break down and decompose dead plants, animals, and waste materials, including toxic substances. By decomposing these materials, decomposers help to remove harmful chemicals and pollutants from the ecosystem, preventing their accumulation and reducing the risk of environmental contamination. This detoxification process is especially important in maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems that are exposed to human activities, such as pollution and industrial waste.

3. Energy Flow:
Decomposers are an integral part of the energy flow within an ecosystem. While primary producers (plants) convert sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis, only a fraction of this energy is transferred to herbivores (primary consumers). The energy flow continues as carnivores (secondary consumers) consume herbivores. However, the energy transfer becomes less efficient with each trophic level due to heat loss and metabolic inefficiencies. Eventually, the energy-rich dead bodies of organisms, including plants and animals, are left unutilized.

Flow of Energy in a Food Chain is Unidirectional:

The flow of energy in a food chain is unidirectional, meaning it follows a specific pathway and does not loop back within the same chain. This unidirectional flow can be explained by the following points:

1. First Law of Thermodynamics:
The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed but can only be converted from one form to another. In the context of a food chain, energy from the sun is converted into chemical energy by primary producers through photosynthesis. This energy is then transferred to herbivores when they consume the plants. The energy is further passed on to carnivores when they consume herbivores. However, at each trophic level, a significant amount of energy is lost as heat or used for metabolic processes, making it impossible for the energy to cycle back and be reused within the same food chain.

2. Energy Efficiency:
The efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels is relatively low. As organisms consume food and carry out metabolic processes, a considerable amount of energy is lost as heat. This inefficiency limits the amount of energy available for transfer to higher trophic levels. Consequently, the energy flow in a food chain becomes unidirectional as energy is continuously being lost and cannot be recycled back to the previous trophic levels.