In an Ecosystem, Energy Differs from Nutrients in That

Question

In an ecosystem, energy differs from nutrients in that
A)energy is recycled through photosynthesis, but nutrients are recycled through the atmosphere.
B)nutrients are recycled, but energy eventually moves out of the system and is lost.
C)nutrients are recycled through plant roots, but energy is recycled through leaves.
D)energy is recycled by producers, but nutrients are recycled by consumers.

Accepted Answer

Energy flows through an ecosystem, eventually being lost as heat, while nutrients are recycled through various biogeochemical cycles. Nutrients are taken up by producers, passed on to consumers, and eventually decomposed by microorganisms, releasing the nutrients back into the environment to be taken up again. Energy, on the other hand, cannot be recycled in this way and eventually leaves the system.