Question
16. Click to show how matter and energy move through ecosystems.
(2 points)
matter energy
flows through the ecosystem
cycles within the ecosystem
Earth has a generally fixed amount
Earth is always receiving more
(2 points)
matter energy
flows through the ecosystem
cycles within the ecosystem
Earth has a generally fixed amount
Earth is always receiving more
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Certainly! Here’s a breakdown of how matter and energy move through ecosystems:
**Matter**:
- **Cycles within the ecosystem**: Matter, such as nutrients and organic materials, cycles through ecosystems via processes like decomposition, nutrient uptake by plants, and consumption by animals.
- **Earth has a generally fixed amount**: The total amount of matter on Earth does not change significantly; it is recycled within the ecosystem rather than created or destroyed.
**Energy**:
- **Flows through the ecosystem**: Energy from the sun is captured by plants through photosynthesis and then flows through the food chain as organisms consume one another.
- **Earth is always receiving more**: The Earth continuously receives energy from the sun, which powers most ecosystems.
This framework illustrates the distinct roles of matter and energy in ecological systems.
**Matter**:
- **Cycles within the ecosystem**: Matter, such as nutrients and organic materials, cycles through ecosystems via processes like decomposition, nutrient uptake by plants, and consumption by animals.
- **Earth has a generally fixed amount**: The total amount of matter on Earth does not change significantly; it is recycled within the ecosystem rather than created or destroyed.
**Energy**:
- **Flows through the ecosystem**: Energy from the sun is captured by plants through photosynthesis and then flows through the food chain as organisms consume one another.
- **Earth is always receiving more**: The Earth continuously receives energy from the sun, which powers most ecosystems.
This framework illustrates the distinct roles of matter and energy in ecological systems.