phosphorous cycle Flashcards
1
Q
what are the biological uses of the phosphorous cycle (2)
A
- basic component of DNA
- forms shells, bones, and teeth
2
Q
what destabilizes the phosphorus cycle
A
when farmers spread phosphate rich fertilizer and soapy water waste enters the aquatic system and causes eutrophication
3
Q
what’s erosion
A
wind and rain wears away rocks that contain phosphates
4
Q
what’s absorption by living organisms
A
plants absorb, animals eat plants
5
Q
what’s decomposition of waste
A
organisms eliminate phosphates and die which returned to the soil are broken down by decomposers
6
Q
what’s proliferation of plankton and sedimentation
A
phosphates make their way to the ocean where they stimulate plankton growth. organisms die, PO4 forms sedimentary rocks on the ocean floor
7
Q
how are rocks lifted out of the ocean floor
A
tectonic uplift
