[Campbell Biology P.192] Based on the energy flow diagram on page 143, what is the correct s... | Practice Question

Based on the energy flow diagram on page 143, what is the correct sequence of energy transformations from the initial source to the final product in the bioluminescence process, and what byproduct is consistently released at each transformation step?

  • A: Light energy from sun -> Chemical energy in termites -> Chemical energy in plants -> Light energy produced by bioluminescence; with water as a byproduct.
  • B: Light energy from sun -> Chemical energy in organic molecules in plants -> Chemical energy in organic molecules in termites -> Light energy produced by bioluminescence; with heat as a byproduct.
  • C: Chemical energy in plants -> Light energy from sun -> Chemical energy in termites -> Light energy produced by bioluminescence; with oxygen as a byproduct.
  • D: Chemical energy in termites -> Chemical energy in plants -> Light energy from sun -> Light energy produced by bioluminescence; with carbon dioxide as a byproduct.

Explanation

The diagram clearly shows the energy transformation pathway: Light energy from the sun is transformed by plants into chemical energy in organic molecules. This chemical energy is then transferred to termites when they eat plants, becoming chemical energy in termites. Finally, click beetle larvae digest termites, transforming the chemical energy into light energy through bioluminescence. At each step of transformation, heat is released as a byproduct, illustrating the second law of thermodynamics.