How can you trace energy back to the sun?

Energy can be traced back to the sun through the process of photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. This energy is then passed through the food chain as animals consume plants, and further up the chain as predators consume herbivores. Additionally, solar energy influences weather patterns and drives the water cycle, impacting ecosystems and energy availability on Earth. Ultimately, nearly all energy sources, including fossil fuels, are derived from ancient solar energy captured by plants and microorganisms millions of years ago.