Ch 2 - Phosphorus Cycle

Question 1

Phosphorous

Answer 1

• does not enter atmosphere.
• *stays phosphate.
• cycles through ground and water.
• plants and algae can only use it to form PO43-.
• weathering releases phosphorus from rocks.

Question 2

What’s the form of phosphorus that plants can use?

Answer 2

Phosphate (PO43-). -> dissolves in water.
*shortage of phosphorus keeps growth of producers in balance but limit growth of crops.

Question 3

how excess phosphorus is harmful to an aquatic ecosystem.

Answer 3

Overgrowth of algae blooms.
1. Algal blooms block sunlight for water producers. -> die from lack of photosynthesis.
2. Consumers die from lack of food (producers).
3. Decomposers break down the dead matter and use up O2 in water.
- Lack of O2 = death of an ecosystem (eutrophication).