Question

Four friends were talking about how matter and energy move through an ecosystem. This is what they said:

Will - "I think only energy cycles through an ecosystem."




Mike - "I think only matter cycles through an ecosystem."

Dustin - "I think both matter and energy cycle through an ecosystem."

Lucas - "I think neither matter nor energy cycles through an ecosystem."

Which friend do you most agree with? EXPLAIN your thinking.

Answer 1

Dustin's statement that both matter and energy cycle through an ecosystem is the most accurate, as energy flows through an ecosystem and is lost as heat, while matter is recirculated via biogeochemical cycles.

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the statements made by the four friends regarding how matter and energy move through an ecosystem, Dustin's statement aligns most closely with scientific understanding. Energy enters an ecosystem from external sources, primarily the sun, and flows through the ecosystem from producers to consumers in a one-way path, ultimately being lost as heat. Unlike energy, matter, such as water, carbon, and nitrogen, is recycled within the ecosystem through biogeochemical cycles. These cycles involve both living organisms and non-living matter, ensuring that matter is continually used and reused within the ecosystem.

Answer 2

Answer is: Mike - "I think only matter cycles through an ecosystem."
Because matter cycles and energy flows through an ecosystem. For example carbon cycle, mass of the carbon in an ecosystem is always the same, carbon goes throw inorganic to organic carbon, plants produce organic carbon and in respiration organic carbon turns into inorganic.