The law of conservation of mass states that matter cannot be created, yet matter is sometimes gained or lost to an ecosystem. What is the reason for this seeming contradiction?
A) Chemoautotrophic organisms can convert matter to energy.
B) Ecosystems are open systems; therefore, matter can be moved in/out of an ecosystem from/to another ecosystem.
C) Photosynthetic organisms convert sugars to more complex organic molecules.
D) Detritivores convert matter to energy.
E) Heterotrophs convert heat to energy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The law of conservation of mass applies to closed systems, where matter cannot be created or destroyed within that system. Ecosystems, however, are open systems, meaning matter can be gained or lost to/from other ecosystems or the environment. This allows for a transfer of matter between ecosystems and can result in apparent gain or loss of matter within a particular ecosystem.

The Law of Conservation of Mass States That Matter Cannot