18. Explain why food webs and energy pyramids show the flow of energy but the cycling of matter.(1 point)%0D%0AResponses%0D%0A%0D%0AThe Sun continually replenishes the Earth's matter, but the Earth has a constant amount of energy.%0D%0AThe Sun continually replenishes the Earth's matter, but the Earth has a constant amount of energy.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe Earth has a constant amount of energy and matter.%0D%0AThe Earth has a constant amount of energy and matter.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe Sun continually replenishes the Earth's energy and matter.%0D%0AThe Sun continually replenishes the Earth's energy and matter.%0D%0A%0D%0AThe Sun continually replenishes the Earth's energy, but the Earth has a constant amount of matter.

Answer 1

Food webs and energy pyramids show the flow of energy because energy is transferred from one organism to another in a one-way direction. The Sun provides the initial input of energy, which is then captured by producers (plants) through photosynthesis. This energy is then passed on to primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores or omnivores), and so on. As energy is transferred from one trophic level to another, some of it is lost as heat, limiting the amount of energy available at higher trophic levels.

On the other hand, the cycling of matter refers to the movement of elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through different components of an ecosystem. Unlike energy, matter is not consumed or used up, but rather recycled. For example, plants absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen as a byproduct. When organisms die or excrete waste, decomposers break down their organic matter and release nutrients back into the environment, which can then be absorbed by plants again. This continuous cycling of matter allows for the reuse and recycling of essential elements in ecosystems.

In summary, food webs and energy pyramids show the flow of energy because energy is constantly being transferred and transformed, while the cycling of matter occurs because matter is recycled and reused within an ecosystem.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

The Sun continually replenishes the Earth's energy, but the Earth has a constant amount of matter.