How does matter and flow from one living thing to another in an ecosystem and flow of energy among the living organisms on the earth?
In ecosystems, matter and energy are transferred from one form to another. Matter refers to all of the living and nonliving things in that environment. Nutrients and living matter are passed from producers to consumers, and then broken down by decomposers. Decomposers break down dead plant and animal matter. Unlike the one-way flow of energy, matter is recycled within and between ecosystems. Unlike the one-way flow of energy, matter is recycled within and between ecosystems. There is a flow of energy from one trophic level to the other in a food chain. Producers bring energy from the sun into the community. Primary consumers eat the producers, which makes them herbivores in most communities. Secondary consumers eat the primary consumers, which makes them carnivores.