Question

Two terrestrial ecosystems based on photosynthesis and chemolithosynthesis (hydrothermal vents) trap their energy from specific energy sources. Tidal squeezing has also been suggested. The type of energy sources define the character of the ecosystems observed.

1.What other energy source can you identify that might drive other kinds of ecosystems elsewhere in the universe? Speculate on the type of organisms that might evolve based on that energy source.

2.What would be the characteristics of the primary producers (the organisms that trap the energy)?

3.How can the energy be transferred to the rest of the food chain? What would a planet, where such organisms evolved, be like?

DO NOT use the energy capturing mechanisms listed above. Use an energy source and capture mechanism that is plausible and within the laws of physics.

Answer 1

1) cosmic Ray is another type of energy source that could drive other kids of ecosystems elsewhere in the universe.

• The organism might evolve,

-> will be radiant resistant

-> possess the ability to survive in extreme cold temperature

2) The characteristics of primary producer

• They might be able to absorb radiation energy
• They can transform radiation energy into organic energy
• As cosmic Ray's are high energy radiation and cause damage to the organism, the primary producer must be able to partition energy to repair the damaged caused by cosmic Ray's.

3) The component in the cosmic Ray are absorbed by the primary producer. The primary consumer has absorbed and metabolised and organic substances by eating the primary producer. Secondary consumers eat the previous organism quit similarly this process goes from one category organism to another. The transfer of energy through the food chain determines that some heat is lost in the environment according to thermodynamics. Which indicates that secondary consumers have less energy than primary consumers and primary consumers have less energy than producers.

This energy transfer from one tropical level to the next is called food Chain efficiency.

In this scenario

• The temperature of the planet must be very low
• The planet should possess thin layer of atmosphere so that cosmic Ray can easily invade.