How does matter cycle through a desert ecosystem? Utah State Science Core Curriculum Topic : Cycling of matter in ecosystems Matter cycles within ecosystems and can be traced from organism to organism. Plants use energy from the Sun to change air and water into matter needed for growth. Animals and decomposers consume matter for their life functions, continuing the cycling of matter. Standard 5.3.1 Construct an explanation that plants use air, water, and energy from sunlight to produce plant matter needed for growth. Standard 5.3.2 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information that animals obt