A:
Inorganic nutrients are recycled in an ecosystem
B:
Energy "flows" through the ecosystem in the form of carbon-carbon bonds
C:
Energy is recycled in an ecosystem
D:
Respiration process releases energy
Explanation
The false statement is (C) Energy is recycled in an ecosystem.
Energy is not recycled in an ecosystem; instead, it flows through the ecosystem. Energy enters the ecosystem from an external source, usually the sun, and flows through the various trophic levels as organisms consume and transfer energy to one another. However, energy cannot be recycled or reused within the ecosystem. As energy is transferred and transformed, it is ultimately lost as heat through processes such as respiration and metabolic activities. Option (A) Inorganic nutrients being recycled in an ecosystem is true as they are cycled through biogeochemical processes. Option (B) Energy "flows" through the ecosystem in the form of carbon-carbon bonds is true as energy is transferred through the chemical bonds of organic compounds. Option (D) Respiration process releases energy is true as cellular respiration is the process by which organisms break down organic compounds and release energy for their metabolic activities.