Convection is the transfer of energy through the movement of matter. In the food chain, convection occurs when warm air or water rises and cooler air or water sinks. This movement creates currents that transport heat and nutrients throughout the ecosystem. For example, in the ocean, warm water from the equator moves towards the poles, carrying with it heat and nutrients that support the growth of marine organisms.
2. Conduction
Conduction is the transfer of energy through direct contact between two objects. In the food chain, conduction occurs when an organism eats another organism. When this happens, the heat from the eater's body is transferred to the food. This heat helps to break down the food into nutrients that the eater can use.
3. Radiation
Radiation is the transfer of energy through the emission of electromagnetic waves. In the food chain, radiation occurs when sunlight strikes the leaves of plants. The plants use this energy to photosynthesize, which is the process by which they convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Glucose is a sugar that plants use for energy.