Cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems

Earth > Ecosystems > Cycles of matter and energy transfer in ecosystems

The elements from which all the organic compounds of the cells are made of, are not in much quantity in nature, therefore they must be continuously recycled (cycles of matter). Energy is produced by autotrophic organisms through photosynthesis and transferred through food chains at all levels of organisms.

Connection to Big Idea about energy: The soil provides nutrients for plants and animals to survive. Food chains reveal how matter and energy is transferred within ecosystem. When nutrients decompose they return their energy to the soil perpetuating the cycle of energy transfer and transformation. Energy and matter in ecosystems are conserved.

Connection to Big Idea about particles: Cycles of matter involve living organisms and non-living parts of ecosystems. Organisms obtain matter from their ecosystems and release matter (waste) back to it. All matter that make up organisms pass through food chains and eventually decomposes into very small particles that will interact with others and form other types of matter and new organisms.

Connection to Big Idea about the cell: Ecosystems are composed of millions of different organisms of different shapes, colours and sizes but are all made out of the same key element, the cell. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration provide the energy necessary for life processes to occur.

Subjects related: Environmental Sciences, Physics

Age ranges: 12-13,13-14,14-15,15-16