How does the flow of nutrients in an ecosystem differ from the flow of energy in an ecosystem?

The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional and is not cyclic. It is represented in a flowchart form.

The flow of nutrients in an ecosystem is cyclic like a water cycle.

An example for flow of energy is :- sun --- producer --- primary consumer --- secondary consumer --- tertiary consumer --- decomposer. The energy remained in the is very little and it is released as heat.

An example for flow of nutrients is :- air, water, soil --- producer --- primary consumer ----secondary consumer --- tertiary consumer ---- decomposer ---- air, water, soil--- and so on (cyclic)