How Does a Squirrel Get Energy from Acorns?

What happens to the matter consumed by the squirrel after eating acorns?

A. The matter is completely consumed by the squirrel.

B. The matter is completely eliminated by the squirrel as waste.

C. The matter is converted to energy and carbon molecules.

Answer:

C. The matter is converted to energy and carbon molecules.

When a squirrel eats acorns, the matter consumed from the acorns is converted to energy and carbon molecules. This process involves the conversion of potential energy from the matter into chemical energy to power the squirrel's body.

Matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed, but they can change forms. When the squirrel consumes the acorns, it extracts the nutrients and energy it needs to survive while the rest of the matter is converted into waste products.

By converting the matter into energy and carbon molecules, the squirrel is able to utilize the nutrients from the acorns to fuel its body functions. This process ultimately allows the squirrel to survive and thrive in its environment by efficiently extracting energy from its food source.