๐Ÿงฌap biology review

Conservation of matter

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

The principle that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed and recycled through biogeochemical cycles.

AP course connection

Topic 8.2: 8.2 Energy Flow Through Ecosystems

Unit 8

"Conservation of matter" also found in: