Question

The dynamics of an ecosystem depends on two main processes:

A) the cycling of energy and the unidirectional flow of nutrients.
B) the unidirectional flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients.
C) the multidirectional flow of both energy and nutrients.
D) the unidirectional flow of both energy and nutrients.
E) the cycling of both energy and nutrients.
A) the cycling of energy and the unidirectional flow of nutrients.
B) the unidirectional flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients.
C) the multidirectional flow of both energy and nutrients.
D) the unidirectional flow of both energy and nutrients.
E) the cycling of both energy and nutrients.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B) the unidirectional flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients in an ecosystem, with energy typically entering as sunlight or chemical energy and matter being recycled through biogeochemical cycles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dynamics of an ecosystem depend on two main processes: the unidirectional flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients.

Energy enters ecosystems as sunlight or chemical energy, flows through food chains from producers to consumers, and is eventually lost as heat. Unlike energy, matter such as water, carbon, nitrogen, and other nutrients are recycled through biogeochemical cycles, which involve interactions among living organisms (the biotic components) and nonliving elements (abiotic factors), ensuring that these materials are continuously available within the ecosystem. Therefore, the correct answer to this question is B) the unidirectional flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients.