How does matter move among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment?

How does matter move among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment?

• A. It is only recycled by decomposers
• B. It is turned into energy by plants
• C. Non-food matter is converted by plants into food matter
• D. Animals do not contribute to the cycle

Answer: (C)

The movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment is best represented by the idea that non-food matter is converted by plants into food matter. This concept relates to the process of photosynthesis, where plants take in water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. In this process, the inorganic substances from the environment are transformed into organic matter, which serves as food for the plants themselves and subsequently for herbivores that consume them. This cycle does not rely solely on decomposers or the conversion of energy but rather emphasizes the critical role that plants play in the transformation of basic elements into the food that sustains other life forms. It illustrates the foundational aspect of producers in the ecosystem, as they are essential for converting non-food matter (like carbon dioxide and minerals from the soil) into food for other organisms. While decomposers are indeed a vital part of recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, matter movement involves a broader cycle that starts with plants and includes animals and decomposers, making option C the most accurate choice in reflecting the entire process.

The movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment is best represented by the idea that non-food matter is converted by plants into food matter. This concept relates to the process of photosynthesis, where plants take in water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen. In this process, the inorganic substances from the environment are transformed into organic matter, which serves as food for the plants themselves and subsequently for herbivores that consume them.

This cycle does not rely solely on decomposers or the conversion of energy but rather emphasizes the critical role that plants play in the transformation of basic elements into the food that sustains other life forms. It illustrates the foundational aspect of producers in the ecosystem, as they are essential for converting non-food matter (like carbon dioxide and minerals from the soil) into food for other organisms.

While decomposers are indeed a vital part of recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, matter movement involves a broader cycle that starts with plants and includes animals and decomposers, making option C the most accurate choice in reflecting the entire process.