What happens to the energy in a green plant when it is consumed by deer?

When a deer consumes a green plant, the energy stored in the plant is transferred to the deer through the process of digestion. The deer breaks down the complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the plant material into simpler molecules that can be absorbed into its bloodstream. These molecules are then used by the deer's cells as a source of energy for various metabolic processes, such as growth, movement, and reproduction.

Here is a more detailed explanation of what happens to the energy in a green plant when it is consumed by a deer:

1. Ingestion: The deer eats the green plant, ingesting the plant material into its mouth.

2. Mechanical digestion: The deer's teeth break down the plant material into smaller pieces, increasing the surface area for digestive enzymes to work on.

3. Chemical digestion: Digestive enzymes secreted by the deer's stomach and intestines break down the complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the plant material into simpler molecules, such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids.

4. Absorption: The deer's small intestine absorbs the simple molecules resulting from chemical digestion into its bloodstream.

5. Cellular respiration: The deer's cells use the absorbed molecules as a source of energy through the process of cellular respiration. During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen to produce ATP, the universal energy currency of cells.

6. Excretion: The deer excretes undigested plant material and other waste products from its body through its feces.

Overall, the energy stored in the green plant is transferred to the deer and used for various metabolic processes that support the deer's growth, survival, and reproduction.