Which of the following describes how matter moves between producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem?

one-way flow from producers to consumers to decomposers
one-way flow from decomposers to consumers to producer
cyclic flow froms producers to consumers to decomposers and back to producers
cyclic flow from decomposers to consumers to producers and back to decomposers

Robins are common songbirds found in many parts of the U.S. They have been observed eating berries, cherries, live worms, and spiders. Which of the following pairs of terms could be used to describe this bird?

carnivore and scavenger
omnivore and predator
herbivore and autotroph
heterotroph and decomposer

The correct answer for the first question is: "cyclic flow from producers to consumers to decomposers and back to producers."

The correct answer for the second question is: "omnivore and predator."

To determine the answers to these questions, we need to understand some key concepts in ecology.

1. Matter flow in an ecosystem:
In an ecosystem, matter moves between producers, consumers, and decomposers through different processes. Producers (usually plants) use sunlight to convert inorganic matter into organic matter through photosynthesis. This organic matter is then consumed by consumers (organisms that eat other organisms) such as herbivores (plant-eaters) and carnivores (meat-eaters). When these organisms die or produce waste, decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down their remains, releasing nutrients back into the environment for the producers to use again. Based on this information, we can determine that the correct answer is "cyclic flow from producers to consumers to decomposers and back to producers."

2. Robins' dietary habits:
To determine the pair of terms that describes the robin's diet, we need to understand the different trophic levels and feeding types. Carnivores primarily eat meat, scavengers feed on dead organisms, omnivores eat both plants and animals, herbivores consume plants, autotrophs (like plants) produce their own food through photosynthesis, heterotrophs rely on consuming other organisms for nutrition, and decomposers break down dead organic matter. Based on the provided information that robins eat berries, cherries, live worms, and spiders, it is clear that they are not strictly carnivores. Additionally, they are not scavengers or decomposers either. However, they do consume both plants and animals, making them omnivores. Hence, the correct answer is "omnivore and predator."

In both cases, understanding the concepts of energy flow and trophic levels helps us arrive at the correct answers.

Yes