Cycles of Matter
In the tropical rainforest, carbon is removed from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. Since there is an abundant amount of vegetation in the rainforest, lots of photosynthesis occurs. Carbon is being put back into the atmosphere through the process of cellular respiration. Organisms living in the tropical rainforest, such as jaguars, toucans, and sloths, release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. There are also people living in the rainforest that release carbon dioxide. The products of photosynthesis are the reactants of cellular respiration. This causes the cycle to be beautifully balanced. Rainforests are decreasing rapidly with people slashing and burning it. The result of burning fossil fuels and the burning of forests release carbon into the atmosphere. If a volcano does erupt, it would release carbon back into the atmosphere. (Graded T.L.)
The flow of energy and matter in an ecosystem differ greatly. Energy enters ecosystems in the form of sunlight or chemical compounds. Some organisms use this energy to make food. Other organisms get energy by eating the food. Energy is always entering the environment and then leaves as heat. Matter is always being recycled within and between ecosystems. Matter can not be created or destroyed. It just changes form. Therefore, there is always a constant amount of matter in an ecosystem. (Graded T.L)