Which is not recycled in ecosystem?

Options

A. Nitrogen
B. Water
C. Energy
D. Oxygen

Answer

**Step-by-step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Concept of Recycling in Ecosystems:**
- In ecosystems, various elements and compounds are recycled through biogeochemical cycles. This includes essential elements like nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur, which are vital for living organisms.

2. **Identifying the Components that are Recycled:**
- Elements such as nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur are recycled through different cycles. For example, nitrogen is recycled through the nitrogen cycle, carbon through the carbon cycle, and water through the water cycle.

3. **Recognizing the Role of Energy:**
- Unlike matter, energy does not cycle through the ecosystem. Energy is transferred from one trophic level to another, but it is not recycled. When energy moves from producers to consumers and then to decomposers, only a small percentage (about 10%) is passed on to the next level, while the rest (approximately 90%) is lost as heat.

4. **Conclusion:**
- Therefore, the answer to the question "Which is not recycled in the ecosystem?" is **energy**. Energy is transferred through trophic levels but is not recycled like nutrients and water.