Question

Matter and energy flow through the biosphere. The flow of matter, however, differs from the flow of energy. Which of the following statements accurately describes these differences:

A. Matter is recycled, while energy is constantly replenished.
B. Matter flows unidirectionally, while energy cycles.
C. Energy is recycled, while matter constantly enters the biosphere.
D. Matter and energy flow through the biosphere in identical patterns.

Answer 1

A) Matter is recycled, while energy is constantly replenished in the biosphere. Hence, option A) is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

A. Matter is recycled, while energy is constantly replenished.

Matter and energy flow through the biosphere, but there are differences in how they move. Matter, such as water and nutrients, is recycled in biogeochemical cycles, constantly passing through living organisms and non-living matter. For example, water and elements like carbon and nitrogen are constantly being reused in ecosystems.

On the other hand, energy flows unidirectionally through ecosystems, entering as sunlight or chemical compounds and leaving as heat. Energy cannot be recycled or replenished in the same way as matter, as it is not conserved and continuously added to ecosystems as matter is.