How does the way matter cycles through an ecosystem differ from the way at energy flows?

Not similar to matter, flow of energy has a one way flow through living things. On the other hand, matter is recycled within and between ecosystems. Living things (ecosystems) need nonliving matter as well as energy. Matter is used to build bodies. It's also needed to carry out the processes of life. Any nonliving matter that living things need is called a nutrient. Carbon and nitrogen are examples of nutrients. Unlike energy, matter is recycled in ecosystems.