What is the main difference between the flow of energy and nutrients in an ecosystem? a) nutrients do not flow through an ecosystem, while energy does. b) energy does not flow through an ecosystem, while nutrients do. c) energy cycles through an ecosystem, while nutrients do not. d) nutrients cycle through an ecosystem, while energy does not.

The correct answer is D: Nutrients cycle through an ecosystem, while energy does not.

Explanation:

Sun is the biggest source of energy and sunlight is used by plants to prepare food through photosynthesis. The energy passes through each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Nutrients are also used by living organisms along with energy to grow, to move and to live. Each trophic level is the source of food and nutrients for the next trophic level. When living organisms are dead bacteria decompose them and again are converted into nutrients.

Energy and nutrients both flow through an ecosystem. The difference is that nutrients can be recycled but energy cannot be recycled once it is used.