How doe the flow of wnerfy differ fron the flow of matter through an ecosystem?

Answer 1

The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional and follows a linear pathway, starting from primary producers (like plants) and moving through various trophic levels to consumers and decomposers. In contrast, the flow of matter is cyclical, as nutrients are recycled through processes like decomposition and nutrient uptake by plants. While energy is eventually lost as heat and cannot be reused, matter is continuously reused and transformed within the ecosystem. This fundamental difference shapes how ecosystems function and maintain their health.