[Campbell Biology P.58] Which of the following statements accurately describes the fundamen... | Practice Question

Which of the following statements accurately describes the fundamental difference between energy flow and chemical cycling within an ecosystem, as explained in the text and Figure 1.9?

  • A: Energy flows in one direction and is eventually lost as heat, while chemicals are recycled within the ecosystem.
  • B: Both energy and chemicals cycle repeatedly within the ecosystem without any loss.
  • C: Chemicals flow in one direction and are lost from the ecosystem, while energy is recycled.
  • D: Energy is primarily absorbed by decomposers, and chemicals are primarily absorbed by producers.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that 'energy flows through an ecosystem in one direction, usually entering as light and exiting as heat' while 'chemicals cycle within an ecosystem, where they are used and then recycled.' Figure 1.9 visually reinforces this distinction.