Energy flows in one direction, and matter cycles through the environment.
Explanation:
• Energy passes on from the producers (plants) up to the final consumer who absorbs it all. When final consumer dies, also energy collapses. So, more energy will be required hence a new cycle begins.
• Matter such as nutrients are taken up from primary consumers to the final consumer. When final consumer dies, its nutrients decompose are reused by the producers hence cycle repeats again.