Why Is the Sun the Main Source of Energy Used by Most Organisms?

The sun is the primary source of energy for organisms on the Earth.

The sun provides energy to the Earth in the form of light and heat. This solar energy is what gives organisms the ability to exist and carry out life processes on the Earth.

Solar Heat

The sun heats the Earth's surface. This heating creates wind patterns, moves the Earth's water surface and heats the ground.

Plants

The sun's light provides plants with food through the process of photosynthesis. Plants store solar energy through this process and give off oxygen as a byproduct. Without oxygen human beings, other animals and other organisms would not be able to exist at all.

Animals

Animals depend on plants receiving sunlight. Herbivores eat plants and store solar energy from this process. Carnivores eat other animals, thereby consuming the sun's energy indirectly from the herbivores. Thus the sun is the primary part of the food chain.

Omnivores and Decomposers

Omnivores and decomposers also consume animals and plants. Human beings, certain animals, bacteria and fungi are a part of these two groups and they benefit from the sun's energy by carrying out these processes.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels contain the sun's power stored up inside of dead and decayed organisms that have been pressurized, heated and buried. Oil, natural gas and coal are fuel sources created from this process that people use for their fueling needs.

References

• The Energy Planet
• Sun, Light, and Life
• FT Exploring

Resources

• Softpedia