Question

How does matter flow differ from energy flow through an ecosystem?
SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Energy cannot be recycled within an ecosystem, but matter can.
b Energy and matter flow do not differ.
Matter can enter and exit an ecosystem at any point and can join another ecosystem cycle anywhere on the planet.

Answer 1

The correct options that highlight the differences between how matter and energy flow through an ecosystem are:

1. **Energy cannot be recycled within an ecosystem, but matter can.** - This statement is true; energy flows in one direction (from the sun, through producers, to consumers, and then lost as heat), while matter cycles through various forms in the ecosystem (e.g., nutrients are recycled).

2. **Matter can enter and exit an ecosystem at any point and can join another ecosystem cycle anywhere on the planet.** - This statement is also true; matter can be exchanged between ecosystems and is not confined to a strict flow path like energy.

The statement **"Energy and matter flow do not differ."** is incorrect, as there are fundamental differences in their flow through an ecosystem.