3. The Phosphrus Cycle Flashcards
Why do plants and animals need phosphorus?
To make biological molecules such as phospholipids, dna and atp.
Where is phosphorus found?
Rocks.
Dissolved in oceans in the form of phosphate ion.
What can phosphate ions dissolved in water in soil do?
Become assimilated to make more complex molecules by plants
- How are phosphate ions In Rocks released into soil?
Weathering.
- How are phosphate ions taken into plant?
Through roots.
- What increases the assimilation rate of phosphorus?
Mycorrihzae
- How are phosphate ions transferred through food chain ?
Animals eat pants and in turn eaten by other animals
- Where are the phosphate ions lost from animal ?
Waste
- What happens when animals and plants die?
Saprobiants break down pragmatic compounds releasing phosphate ions into soil for assimilation by plants.
These also release phosphate from ions in urine and waste.
- How are phosphate ions released into seas , lakes and rivers?
Weathering of rock.
Which is then taken up by aquatic producers such as algae and passed along food chain to birds.
- What is the waste product by sea birds known as ?
Guano.
Contains high proportions of phosphate ions.
It returns a significant amount of phosphate ions to souks.
- What is guano often used as?
Natural fertiliser.
What is cultivated land?
Land that has been used by humans to grow crops
