Final answer:
Organic and inorganic materials are recycled in ecosystems through biogeochemical cycles, aided by microorganisms that break down matter into forms that can be reassimilated by living organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organic and inorganic materials in all of the organisms in the diagram will eventually return to the environment by the action of biogeochemical cycles. These cycles ensure the recycling of matter, including elements like carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur, through both biotic (living organisms) and abiotic (nonliving environment) components. Specifically, microorganisms play a crucial role in these cycles by breaking down organic matter in dead organisms and waste products into simpler inorganic forms that can be reused by living organisms. Processes such as decomposition, nitrogen fixation, and photosynthesis are examples of how matter is recycled in ecosystems, allowing for the continuous use of these materials.