Question

Explain the following with suitable examples.

What are the differences between the flow of matter and of energy in an ecosystem? Why?

Answer 1

Energy flow in an ecosystem	Flow of Nutrients in an ecosystem
1. The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional.	1. The flow of nutrients in an ecosystem is cyclic.
2. Energy is transferred from producers to consumers via one trophic level to the next.	2. Primary consumers pass on nutrients from producers, while primary consumers pass on nutrients to secondary consumers. Only decomposers provide nutrients in a cyclical manner.
3. Some part of the energy that is not utilized is thrown into the atmosphere.	3. Nutrients are not destroyed in the ecosystem.