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 flows in cycles,whereas energy flows in one direction.
B)Matter does not accompany energy as it enters the biosphere,but it does flow with energy from the biosphere.
C)Energy flows from chemotrophs to phototrophs,whereas matter flows from phototrophs to chemotrophs.
D)Energy flows as organic molecules are reduced to inorganic molecules,but matter does not.
E)Matter and energy flow sometimes in cycles and sometimes unidirectionally.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Matter cycles within ecosystems through biogeochemical cycles (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, water cycles), being reused and recycled among organisms and the environment. Energy, on the other hand, flows in one direction: it enters an ecosystem (usually as sunlight), is converted into chemical energy by producers, passes through consumers, and eventually leaves the system as heat.

Matter and Energy Flow Through the Biosphere