Which of the following best describes how chemicals cycle within an ecosystem?

Step 3: Evaluate the incorrect options. The statement 'Chemicals are constantly created by living organisms and do not rely on abiotic sources' is incorrect because living organisms depend on abiotic sources (e.g., water, minerals, carbon dioxide) for chemical cycling. Similarly, 'Chemicals only move in one direction, from producers to consumers to decomposers' is incorrect because chemicals are recycled, not unidirectional. Lastly, 'Chemicals are used up by organisms and are not returned to the environment' is incorrect because decomposition returns chemicals to the environment for reuse.

Step 4: Identify the correct answer. The statement 'Chemicals are recycled between the biotic and abiotic components through processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, and decomposition' accurately describes how chemicals cycle within an ecosystem.