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What is the primary source of phosphorus for the phosphorus cycle?
Rock weathering and erosion.
What happens to phosphorus in animal waste?
Phosphorus is excreted in animal waste and returned to the soil.
What is the term for the release of phosphorus from sediments back into the water?
Resuspension.
What are some natural sources of phosphorus?
Decomposition of organic matter, volcanic activity, and dust particles.
What is the long-term geological storage of phosphorus called?
Phosphorus sinks
What is the process called when phosphorus is released from rocks into the soil?
Weathering.
How does phosphorus move from land to water bodies?
Phosphorus can be carried by runoff or erosion from land into rivers, lakes, or oceans.
How does the phosphorus cycle differ from the carbon or nitrogen cycle?
Unlike the carbon and nitrogen cycles, there is no significant gaseous phase in the phosphorus cycle.
What role do bacteria play in the phosphorus cycle?
Some bacteria can convert organic phosphorus into inorganic forms that plants can utilize.
Why is phosphorus an essential element for living organisms?
Phosphorus is a vital component of DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids, playing a crucial role in energy transfer and cellular processes.
What forms can phosphorus take in the soil?
Phosphate ions (PO4³⁻) and organic phosphates.
What is the term for the process in which phosphorus moves through water bodies?
Sedimentation
What are the two main processes by which phosphorus is recycled in the phosphorus cycle?
Weathering and sedimentation.
How can humans minimize the negative impacts of the phosphorus cycle?
By practicing sustainable agriculture, reducing fertilizer use, and properly treating wastewater.
What is the primary source of phosphorus for the phosphorus cycle?
Rock weathering and erosion.
What is the role of plants in the phosphorus cycle?
Plants take up phosphorus from the soil and incorporate it into their tissues.
How do aquatic plants and algae utilize phosphorus?
Aquatic plants and algae take up phosphorus from the water for growth and metabolism.
What human activities can disrupt the phosphorus cycle?
Agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, and mining activities.
How does phosphorus move from land to water bodies?
Phosphorus can be carried by runoff or erosion from land into rivers, lakes, or oceans.
How do animals obtain phosphorus?
Animals obtain phosphorus by consuming plants or other animals.
How do animals obtain phosphorus?
Animals obtain phosphorus by consuming plants or other animals.
What happens when aquatic organisms die?
When aquatic organisms die, their phosphorus-containing remains sink to the bottom, contributing to sediment buildup.
How can excess phosphorus in water bodies lead to ecological problems?
Excess phosphorus can cause eutrophication, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
What is the term for the process in which phosphorus moves through water bodies?
Sedimentation
What happens to phosphorus in animal waste?
Phosphorus is excreted in animal waste and returned to the soil.