How do energy and matter move in ecosystems?
Responses
Energy flows in one direction, and matter cycles through the environment.
Energy flows in one direction, and matter cycles through the environment.
Energy and matter cycle through the environment.
Energy and matter cycle through the environment.
Matter flows in one direction, and energy cycles through the environment.
Matter flows in one direction, and energy cycles through the environment.
Energy and matter flow in one direction.
Energy flows in one direction, typically starting with the sun as the primary source. This energy is captured by producers (such as plants) through photosynthesis and is then transferred to consumers (such as animals) when they eat the producers. This energy continues to flow through the different trophic levels of the ecosystem as consumers eat other consumers. Eventually, this energy is lost as heat and exits the ecosystem.
On the other hand, matter cycles through the environment in a continuous process. When plants and animals die, their bodies decompose, releasing nutrients back into the environment. These nutrients can then be taken up by plants once again, starting the cycle over. The movement of matter is often referred to as biogeochemical cycles, such as the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles. These cycles ensure that matter is continuously recycled and available for use by living organisms within the ecosystem.