Absolutely! Your statement is exactly right: energy transfer between living and nonliving things is a fundamental principle of the biosphere, and yes, energy also moves from the atmosphere into living things. Here's how it works:

Energy Flow in the Biosphere:

• Primary Source: The ultimate source of energy for most ecosystems is the sun. Sunlight provides radiant energy that drives numerous processes.
• Photosynthesis: Living things called producers, primarily plants and some algae, capture this sunlight energy through photosynthesis. They convert it into chemical energy stored in organic molecules like sugars and carbohydrates.
• Food Chains and Webs: Consumers, like animals and decomposers, then obtain this energy by consuming producers or other consumers. This creates a network of energy transfer known as a food chain or food web.
• Nonliving Components: Energy also interacts with nonliving elements of the biosphere. For example, water and minerals from the soil are absorbed by plants and incorporated into their tissues. Wind plays a role in seed dispersal and pollination.

Energy from the Atmosphere:

• Gaseous Exchanges: Living things constantly exchange gases with the atmosphere. Plants primarily absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) and release oxygen (O2) during photosynthesis. Animals primarily consume O2 and release CO2 during respiration.
• Nitrogen Cycle: Nitrogen, another essential element for life, enters the biosphere through a complex cycle involving atmospheric fixation by bacteria and release through decomposition.
• Water Cycle: Water vapor in the atmosphere is absorbed by plants, transpired, and eventually returns to the atmosphere through evaporation, completing the water cycle.

Overall, energy in the biosphere flows as follows:

Sunlight (Energy) --> Photosynthesis (Energy converted & stored) --> Food Chains/Webs (Energy transfer through consumption) --> Decomposition (Energy dissipated as heat)

Additionally:

• Energy transfer is rarely 100% efficient. Some energy is lost as heat at each step in the food chain.
• Abiotic factors like temperature, precipitation, and geological processes also influence energy flow and nutrient cycling.

Dr Murtadha Shukur thank you for your contribution to the discussion