Matter and Energy in Ecosystems

The video tutorial explains the concepts of matter and energy in ecosystems. It begins by defining matter as anything with mass that occupies space, highlighting its presence in all ecosystem components. The tutorial then explores how matter is transferred when organisms consume food and release waste, returning particles to the environment. The focus shifts to energy, detailing how it flows from plants to consumers through photosynthesis and the food chain. The video emphasizes the continuous movement of both matter and energy within ecosystems.

What is matter?

• Anything that is visible to the human eye

• Anything that has mass and takes up space

• Anything that can be touched

• Anything that is alive

How is matter returned to the environment?

• Through the release of waste and decomposition

• Through photosynthesis

• Through the process of respiration

• Through the absorption of sunlight

What happens to matter when an organism dies?

• It disappears completely

• It is absorbed by other living organisms

• It turns into energy

• It returns to the environment

How do plants create their own energy?

• Through respiration

• Through absorbing nutrients from the soil

• Through consuming other plants

• Through photosynthesis

How does energy flow in an ecosystem?

• From animals to the sun

• From plants to consumers and among animals

• From consumers to plants

• From the soil to plants