In all ecosystems energy is eventually lost to the environment via ______________
A) heat resulting from respiration
B) radiation and reflection of light
C) matter
D) photosynthesis
E) trophic levels

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Energy is lost as heat during respiration, which is a necessary process in all living organisms to produce energy from food. This heat energy is released into the environment and cannot be reused by the organism, resulting in a net loss of energy in the ecosystem. Radiation and reflection of light (B) are important for energy input into ecosystems, but do not result in energy loss. Matter (C) and trophic levels (E) are important components of ecosystem dynamics, but do not directly result in energy loss to the environment. Photosynthesis (D) is a process that converts light energy into chemical energy and does not result in energy loss, but is instead an input of energy into the ecosystem.

In All Ecosystems Energy Is Eventually Lost to the Environment