Within an ecosystem:
A Energy flows in one direction only and nutrients are recycled
B Energy is recycled and nutrients flow in one direction only
C Energy and nutrients flow in one direction only
D Energy and nutrients are both recycled
The correct option is: A) Energy flows in one direction only and nutrients are recycled.
This statement reflects the unidirectional flow of energy from the producers to the consumers and eventually to decomposers. The energy is not recycled but lost in the form of heat. On the other hand, the nutrients are recycled continuously within an ecosystem through the biogeochemical cycles.
The correct answer is A: Energy flows in one direction only, and nutrients are recycled.
In an ecosystem, energy enters the system from an external source, such as the sun, and flows through the food chain in a linear manner. This means that energy is transferred from one organism to another, starting from the producers (plants) to the primary consumers, secondary consumers, and so on. This flow of energy occurs in one direction only, as energy is eventually lost as heat and cannot be reused by the ecosystem.
On the other hand, nutrients within an ecosystem are recycled. Nutrients are essential for the growth and survival of organisms, and they are cycled through the biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (non-living environment) components of the ecosystem. When organisms die or produce waste, their bodies decompose, releasing nutrients back into the environment. These nutrients can then be taken up by plants and other organisms, continuing the nutrient cycle.
Therefore, only option A correctly represents the movement of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem: Energy flows in one direction only, while nutrients are recycled.
The correct answer is: A) Energy flows in one direction only and nutrients are recycled.
In an ecosystem, energy flows through a linear pathway, starting from the producers (plants) to the primary consumers (herbivores) and then to the secondary and tertiary consumers (carnivores). This flow of energy is unidirectional, meaning it moves in one direction only.
On the other hand, nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc., are recycled within the ecosystem. When producers perform photosynthesis, they take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. When consumers consume these producers, they obtain these nutrients and then release them back into the environment through excretion or decomposition. These nutrients are then taken up by other producers and the cycle continues. This recycling of nutrients ensures that they are constantly reused within the ecosystem.