How are the movements of energy and chemicals (matter) through living things in ecosystems different?

Question

a
Energy forms chemical compounds, and chemicals are lost as heat.
b
Chemicals flow in one direction, and energy cycles.
c
Energy is limited in the biosphere, and chemicals are always available.
d
Energy flows in one direction and chemicals cycle.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

d) Energy flows in one direction and chemicals cycle.

In ecosystems, energy from the sun is captured by producers (like plants) and flows through the food chain, typically from producers to consumers, before being ultimately lost as heat. Conversely, chemical nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are cycled through the ecosystem, being reused by various organisms through processes such as decomposition and nutrient uptake.