Question

Through the process of photosynthesis, light energy from the Sun was transformed into chemical energy in the form of sugar within a strawberry plant. The strawberries were then eaten by a bird, and the sugars were converted into other essential molecules, such as proteins or fats. When the bird produced waste, bacteria in the soil decomposed the waste into elements, such as carbon and nitrogen, which were recycled back into the ecosystem.

In this example, matter and energy changed forms and locations as they flowed through the ecosystem. What else is true?
A.
The total amount of matter and energy remained the same.
B.
The total amount of matter and energy increased.
C.
Matter and energy were lost each time they changed forms.
D.
Matter and energy were lost each time they changed locations.

Answer 1

A. The total amount of matter and energy remained the same.

Explanation: Matter and energy are conserved — they change forms and locations but are not created or destroyed. (In ecosystems energy flows through — entering as sunlight and ultimately dissipating as heat — and matter cycles among organisms and the environment.)