How are the movements of energy and chemicals (matter) through living things in ecosystems different? a Chemicals flow in one direction, and energy cycles. b Energy flows in one direction and chemicals cycle. c Energy forms chemical compounds, and chemicals are lost as heat. d Energy is limited in the biosphere, and chemicals are always available.
The correct answer is b) Energy flows in one direction and chemicals cycle.
In ecosystems, energy flows through a one-way path from producers (such as plants) to consumers (such as herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers), and eventually exits the ecosystem as heat. This unidirectional flow of energy is known as the energy flow.
On the other hand, chemicals (or matter) within an ecosystem cycle through various components, including living organisms, the atmosphere, soil, and water. These chemicals are taken up by organisms, metabolized, released back into the environment through processes like respiration, decomposition, and excretion, and then recycled within the ecosystem. This cyclic movement of chemicals is known as the nutrient cycle.