Question

which of the following best explains why ecosystems need a continual influx of new energy? a. photosynthesis feeds herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers. b. as energy is recycled, a small amount is lost as heat. c. energy flows through an ecosystem and cannot be recycled. d. cellular respiration does not feed back into other processes. please select the best answer from the choices provided

Explanation:

In ecosystems, energy follows the law of thermodynamics. It flows in one - way from producers to consumers and decomposers and cannot be recycled. Once energy is used in metabolic processes, it is lost as heat and new energy is required to sustain the ecosystem. Option a only describes the food - chain aspect related to photosynthesis. Option b wrongly states energy is recycled (it is not recycled in the energy sense in ecosystems). Option d is incorrect as cellular respiration is part of the energy - using processes in organisms but not the main reason for the need of new energy influx.

Answer:

C. Energy flows through an ecosystem and cannot be recycled.