Question

question 21 of 25
which statement describes how chemical elements move through an ecosystem?
a. autotrophs release oxygen as a waste product during photosynthesis.
b. photoautotrophs use chemicals from the sun to form organic matter.
c. chemoautotrophs use photosynthesis and energy from the sun to form organic matter.
d. heterotrophs release carbon dioxide as a waste product during photosynthesis.

Explanation:

During photosynthesis, autotrophs like plants use carbon - dioxide and water, and with the energy from sunlight, they produce glucose and release oxygen as a by - product. This oxygen is then used by other organisms in the ecosystem for respiration. Photoautotrophs use light energy from the Sun, not chemicals from the Sun (B is incorrect). Chemoautotrophs use chemical energy, not photosynthesis and solar energy (C is incorrect). Heterotrophs do not perform photosynthesis; they perform respiration and release carbon - dioxide (D is incorrect).

Answer:

A. Autotrophs release oxygen as a waste product during photosynthesis.