Which of the following substances is not recycled in an ecosystem?
Answer Details
Energy is not recycled in an ecosystem. Energy flows through an ecosystem and is transferred from one organism to another as they eat and are eaten, but it is not recycled. In contrast, carbon, water, and nitrogen are cycled through an ecosystem. Carbon is released through respiration and decomposition, and is taken up by producers during photosynthesis. Water is constantly cycled through the process of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. Nitrogen is converted between different forms by various organisms, such as bacteria, and is also cycled through the ecosystem.