Describe the difference between how

matter and energy cycle through a food

web.

The basic difference is the matter flows through the food web from non living to living one and, energy is required for transfer in the food web.

Explanation:

There is a basic difference in the way energy as well as the matter which flows through the food web. Matter flows in the form of nutrients in the non living to living things. Upon death of living organism the nutrients are being released to the soil. Again these available nutrients are being absorbed by the plants which are also eaten by the herbivores animals. And the matter is passed from a non living to the living body. The herbivore is being eaten by the carnivore, transfer of matter too place again. And at the last stage when the carnivore dies, the matter goes back to the soil again. Hence the cycle repeats. Thus, energy is not recycled but a part of it is being lost in every stage.