Click to show how matter and energy move through ecosystems. (2 points) matter energy flows through the ecosystem matter – flows through the ecosystem energy – flows through the ecosystem cycles within the ecosystem matter – cycles within the ecosystem energy – cycles within the ecosystem Earth has a generally fixed amount matter – Earth has a generally fixed amount energy – Earth has a generally fixed amount Earth is always receiving more matter – Earth is always receiving more energy – Earth is always receiving more Skip to navigation
There are two ways in which matter and energy move through ecosystems: flow and cycles.
1. Flow of matter and energy through the ecosystem: Matter and energy flow through ecosystems as organisms interact with each other. Energy from the sun is captured by plants through photosynthesis, and then flows through the food chain as organisms consume and are consumed by each other. For example, a plant is eaten by a herbivore, which is then eaten by a carnivore. At each step, energy is transferred from one organism to another. Similarly, matter, such as nutrients, is consumed and excreted by organisms, moving through the ecosystem.
2. Cycles of matter and energy within the ecosystem: Matter and energy also cycle within ecosystems. Nutrients, such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, are continuously recycled within the ecosystem. For example, when organisms die, their bodies decompose, releasing nutrients back into the environment. These nutrients are then taken up by plants again, completing the cycle. Similarly, energy cycles within ecosystems as well. It is constantly being converted from one form to another, such as from chemical energy in food to kinetic energy in movement or heat energy.
In addition, it is important to note that while matter and energy continuously flow and cycle within ecosystems, Earth has a generally fixed amount of both matter and energy. Matter is generally conserved in ecosystems, meaning it is neither created nor destroyed but changes form and location. Energy, on the other hand, flows through ecosystems but is ultimately derived from the sun and is not created or destroyed either.
Food webs and energy pyramids show the movement of matter and energy through ecosystems. 16. Click to show how matter and energy move through ecosystems. (2 points) matter energy flows through the ecosystem matter – flows through the ecosystem energy – flows through the ecosystem cycles within the ecosystem matter – cycles within the ecosystem energy – cycles within the ecosystem Earth has a generally fixed amount matter – Earth has a generally fixed amount energy – Earth has a generally fixed amount Earth is always receiving more matter – Earth is always receiving more energy – Earth is always receiving more Skip to navigation
Sure! Here's how matter and energy move through ecosystems:
1. Matter - flows through the ecosystem: Matter, such as nutrients and organic compounds, flows through ecosystems as organisms consume and are consumed by each other. For example, when a herbivore eats a plant, it obtains the matter (nutrients) from the plant. When a carnivore consumes the herbivore, it obtains the matter from the herbivore. This transfer of matter continues as organisms are consumed and decomposed, allowing the flow of nutrients through the food chain.
2. Energy - flows through the ecosystem: Energy flows through ecosystems in a one-way direction, primarily derived from the sun. It enters the ecosystem through photosynthesis, where plants convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This energy is then transferred from one organism to another as they consume each other in the food chain. However, it's important to note that energy is lost as heat during these transfers and is not fully converted into usable energy by each organism.
In addition to the flow of matter and energy, there are also cycles within ecosystems:
3. Matter - cycles within the ecosystem: Nutrients and other forms of matter are continuously cycled within ecosystems. After organisms die, their remains are decomposed by decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, which break down the organic matter and release nutrients back into the environment. These nutrients are then taken up by plants again, completing the cycle.
4. Energy - cycles within the ecosystem: While energy flows through ecosystems, it also cycles within them. Energy is constantly being transformed and transferred from one form to another within organisms. For example, plants convert solar energy into chemical energy, which is then used by herbivores as they consume the plants. This energy is then transferred to carnivores when they consume the herbivores, and so on. However, energy is never created or destroyed but is instead transformed from one form to another and eventually lost as heat during each transfer.
Finally, it is important to note that while matter and energy continuously move through and cycle within ecosystems, Earth has a generally fixed amount of both matter and energy. Matter is conserved in ecosystems, meaning it is neither created nor destroyed, but rather recycled and redistributed. Similarly, energy is ultimately derived from the sun and is not created or destroyed but converted and transferred through ecosystems.
Think about photosynthesis and cellular respiration. For each description, determine whether it applies only to photosynthesis, only to cellular respiration, or both photosynthesis and cellular respiration.(3 points) photosynthesis cellular respiration involves at least one chemical reaction photosynthesis – involves at least one chemical reaction cellular respiration – involves at least one chemical reaction rearranges carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms photosynthesis – rearranges carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms cellular respiration – rearranges carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms occurs in cells in green plants photosynthesis – occurs in cells in green plants cellular respiration – occurs in cells in green plants occurs in cells in animals photosynthesis – occurs in cells in animals cellular respiration – occurs in cells in animals produces glucose that can be stored for later use photosynthesis – produces glucose that can be stored for later use cellular respiration – produces glucose that can be stored for later use uses glucose as a source of energy photosynthesis – uses glucose as a source of energy cellular respiration – uses glucose as a source of energy Skip to navigation
Here are the answers:
1. involves at least one chemical reaction: Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration involve at least one chemical reaction.
2. rearranges carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms: Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration rearrange carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
3. occurs in cells in green plants: Photosynthesis occurs in cells in green plants. Cellular respiration occurs in cells in both green plants and animals.
4. occurs in cells in animals: Photosynthesis does not occur in cells in animals, only in cells in green plants. Cellular respiration occurs in cells in animals.
5. produces glucose that can be stored for later use: Photosynthesis produces glucose that can be stored for later use. Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to release energy.
6. uses glucose as a source of energy: Cellular respiration uses glucose as a source of energy. Photosynthesis produces glucose as a result of converting sunlight into chemical energy.
To understand how matter and energy move through ecosystems, we need to consider two main points: the flow of matter and the flow of energy.
1. Matter flows through the ecosystem: Matter refers to the physical substances that make up organisms and their surroundings. It includes elements like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and water. In an ecosystem, matter flows through various pathways. For example, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic matter through photosynthesis. This organic matter is then consumed by primary consumers, such as herbivores, and transferred to higher trophic levels through predation. Eventually, it is returned to the environment through processes like decomposition, feeding, and excretion.
2. Energy flows through the ecosystem: Energy is the capacity to do work, and it is vital for all life processes. In an ecosystem, energy flows in a unidirectional manner through various organisms and trophic levels. It enters the ecosystem primarily from the sun, where plants capture sunlight through photosynthesis and convert it into chemical energy. This energy is then transferred to herbivores when they consume plants, and to higher trophic levels through the consumption of other organisms. Eventually, energy is lost as heat during metabolic processes and transferred back to the environment.
It's important to note that while matter and energy flow through ecosystems, they also cycle within the ecosystem. This means that matter is recycled and reused, while energy is continually replenished by external sources like the sun.
Additionally, while matter is generally recycled and cycled within the Earth's ecosystems, Earth has a generally fixed amount of matter. However, when it comes to energy, Earth is always receiving more from the sun in the form of solar radiation, which is essential for maintaining life on our planet.