Energy and Nutrient Movement in Living Systems
How does the movement of energy and nutrients differ in living systems?
A. Energy recycles while nutrients flow in two directions
B. Nutrients recycle while energy flows in one direction
C. Nutrients are lost as heat while energy forms chemical compounds
D. Nutrients are constantly available while energy is limited
E. Nutrients are lost as heat while energy is limited
Final answer:
Answer:
Energy flows in one direction while nutrients recycle in living systems.
The movement of energy and nutrients through living systems differs in that energy flows in one direction while nutrients recycle. Energy flows directionally through ecosystems, entering as sunlight and leaving as heat during transfers between trophic levels.
On the other hand, nutrients are cycled and recycled as they move from organism to organism, and they can exist for long periods in the atmosphere, on land, in water, or beneath Earth's surface.
Understanding this unique process helps us appreciate the intricate balance and interconnectedness of living systems!