Collgeboard: Phosphorus Cycle

Question 1

Phosphorus cycle

Answer 1

-The movement of atoms and molecules containing the element phosphorus between sources and sinks
-Biogeochemical cycle
-Can be disrupted by human activity
-Stabilize and regulate the flow of matter through ecosystems

Question 2

Importance of phosphorus

Answer 2

-Slow cycle
-Does not need the atmosphere
-Producers need phosphorus to grow
-Limiting factor

Question 3

Steps of the phosphorus cycle

Answer 3

-Sediments and rocks are a major reservoir
-Uplift and weathering spreads the phosphorus
-Run off into marine food webs
-Lithification will makes the cycle start again

Question 4

Lithification

Answer 4

The sediments uplifting from the ocean floor