Question

question 5 (10 points)
within food chains, matter is ______

a always changing from one element to another
b always recycled from one chemical form into another
c constantly decreasing
d constantly increasing

Explanation:

In food chains, matter follows the law of conservation of mass. It is not changing elements (so option a is wrong) as elements are conserved. Matter is recycled through processes like decomposition, nutrient cycling, changing from one chemical form (e.g., organic to inorganic) to another. Matter is not constantly decreasing (energy decreases, but matter is recycled, so c is wrong) or increasing (matter is conserved in a closed ecosystem context, so d is wrong). So the correct option is b.

Answer:

b. always recycled from one chemical form into another