16. Click to show how matter and energy move through ecosystems.(2 points)matter energyflows through the ecosystemmatter – flows through the ecosystemenergy – flows through the ecosystemcycles within the ecosystemmatter – cycles within the ecosystemenergy – cycles within the ecosystemEarth has a generally fixed amountmatter – Earth has a generally fixed amountenergy – Earth has a generally fixed amountEarth is always receiving morematter – Earth is always receiving moreenergy – Earth is always receiving more

Answer 1

Matter flows through the ecosystem as producers, such as plants, take in nutrients from the soil and convert them into food through photosynthesis. This matter is then passed on to consumers, such as herbivores, that eat the producers, and then to secondary and tertiary consumers. As organisms die or produce waste, decomposers break down their remains and return the matter back to the soil, where it can be used again by producers.

Energy also flows through the ecosystem as producers capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This energy is then transferred from one organism to another as they eat and are eaten. Eventually, the energy is lost as heat or used for life processes by organisms.

Matter and energy also cycle within the ecosystem. For example, through the process of decomposition, nutrients from the remains of dead organisms are released back into the environment and recycled. Similarly, energy is constantly being cycled as it is transferred from one organism to another in the food chain.

However, while matter can be recycled and cycled within the ecosystem, Earth has a generally fixed amount of matter. This means that the total amount of matter on Earth remains relatively constant over time.

On the other hand, Earth is always receiving more energy from the Sun. This constant input of energy allows for the continuous flow and cycling of energy within ecosystems.