cycles of matter
"how does the way matter flows throughout an ecosystem differ from the way that energy flows through an ecosystem?"
Energy in an ecosystem flows one way, and matter in an ecosystem is recycled within and between ecosystems.
The first part of the carbon cycle in the taiga is the carbon being used by plants when the plant undergoes photosynthesis. The carbon is used to help make the plant's food. After this, the plant is eaten by a herbivore. When the herbivore eats the plant, the carbon is transferred to the herbivore from the plant. Then, a carnivore eats the herbivore, transferring the carbon to the carnivore. After the carnivore dies, a decomposer will break down the carnivore and the carbon will be transferred to the decomposer. In all of these organisms, the carbon will be released as a by-product of cellular respiration, in the form of carbon dioxide. In addition to this, if some of the carnivore is left alone and not disturbed, after it dies, the remnants will decompose into the earth and the carbon from that carnivore will be absorbed back into the earth and become fossil fuel. When the fossil fuel is burned, the carbon is released back into the air. This release will give plants the carbon back and the cycle will start all over again. (Graded...T.L)