what is the flow of matter and energy?
could be fluid through a pipe
or wind through the air
or gamma rays through space
or electrons through a Cathode Ray Tube
now, do u understand?
Actually, your question makes little sense.
Martina quoted Damon's response. She should have given him credit rather than to make us think they were her own ideas.
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1271456323
well i am sorry i know i did a bad thing and i am sorry damon
well this might help u the flow of matter and energy is more than one thing it doesn't have one exact definition
and i am sorry ms sue
look on internet
The flow of matter and energy refers to the movement and transformation of both matter and energy through different systems and ecosystems on Earth. It is a fundamental concept in the study of ecology and understanding the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environment.
To understand the flow of matter and energy, we can look at the process of photosynthesis and the subsequent transfers that occur in food chains or food webs.
1. Photosynthesis: Plants, algae, and some bacteria carry out photosynthesis. They use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose (a sugar) and oxygen. This process converts solar energy into chemical energy stored in the glucose molecule.
2. Producers: The glucose produced during photosynthesis is stored in plants, algae, and bacteria, making them the primary producers of energy-rich organic compounds. These primary producers serve as the foundation of food chains or food webs.
3. Consumers: Animals, fungi, and some bacteria are consumers that obtain energy by consuming the glucose-rich producers (plants). There are different levels of consumers:
a. Herbivores: These are primary consumers that eat plants directly.
b. Carnivores: These are secondary or tertiary consumers that eat other animals.
c. Omnivores: These consumers eat both plants and other animals.
4. Decomposers: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead plants and animals, as well as waste materials, into simpler organic compounds. This decomposition releases nutrients and energy back into the ecosystem.
5. Cellular respiration: Organisms, including both producers and consumers, use cellular respiration to convert the stored chemical energy (glucose) into a usable form, ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
Overall, matter and energy constantly flow through ecosystems as organisms consume, metabolize, decompose, and recycle these resources. This flow ensures the cycling of nutrients and the transfer of energy from one organism to another, ultimately maintaining the balance and functioning of ecosystems.