There are two types of energy flow models in ecosystem.

1. Single channel energy models/energy flow diagrams.

2. Y-shaped or 2 channel energy flow models/diagrams.

Y-shaped energy flow models as pioneered by H.T. Odum in 1956. This model shows a common boundary, light and heat flows as well as the import, export and storage of organic matter. Decomposers as placed in a separate box as a means of practically separating the grazing and detritus food chains. In terms of energy levels, decomposers are, in fact, a mixed group.

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It separates the two chains i.e. grazing food chain and detritus food chain in both time and space.