Biology / Unit 14 Bio 3655 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Biogeochemical Cycling Applies to Matter, Not Energy
Captions available
The idea
A biogeochemical cycle moves matter, such as carbon atoms, repeatedly between organisms and environment, per Bio 0612 — no cycle returns dissipated energy.
In practice
An exhaled carbon atom can be re-fixed and eaten again; the light energy that powered fixation cannot be recovered.
Where people slip
"Ecosystems recycle their energy," per Bio 3653, mistakes matter cycling for a process, per Bio 0612, energy never undergoes.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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