Answer: Energy is lost as heat at each step and cannot be reused, whereas nutrients are reused repeatedly.
- A Nutrients are destroyed but energy is reused
- B Both energy and nutrients flow in a loop
- C Energy is lost as heat at each step and cannot be reused, whereas nutrients are reused repeatedly
- D Energy is permanently stored within the soil while the nutrients gradually escape out as heat
Correct answer: C. Energy is lost as heat at each step and cannot be reused, whereas nutrients are reused repeatedly
Explanation: At each transfer much energy is lost as heat and cannot be recaptured, so energy flows one way, while mineral nutrients are continually cycled and reused.
Energy pyramid showing a simple food chain (producer to herbivore to carnivore) with energy decreasing roughly tenfold at each trophic level.
Concept context
Ecosystems, food chains, energy flow, nutrient cycles, biodiversity, and conservation.