Phosphorous Cycle Flashcards
What is the primary form of phosphorus found in nature?
Phosphate (PO4^3-)
True or False: The phosphorus cycle is a gaseous cycle.
False
Fill in the blank: Phosphorus is primarily obtained by plants through ______.
soil
Which process describes the conversion of organic phosphorus back into inorganic phosphorus?
Decomposition
What human activity significantly impacts the phosphorus cycle by increasing runoff into water bodies?
Agricultural fertilizer application
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a reservoir of phosphorus?
Atmosphere
What role do mycorrhizal fungi play in the phosphorus cycle?
They enhance phosphorus absorption in plants.
Name one way phosphorus is released from rocks into the soil.
Weathering
True or False: Phosphorus can be stored in ocean sediments for millions of years.
True
What is the main consequence of excessive phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems?
Eutrophication
What is the primary role of phosphorus in the ecosystem?
Phosphorus is essential for the growth and development of plants and is a key component of DNA, RNA, and ATP.
True or False: Algal blooms occur when there is an excess of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, in water bodies.
True
Fill in the blank: The process by which phosphorus is released from rocks and minerals into the soil and water is called __________.
weathering
Which group of organisms is primarily responsible for the uptake of phosphorus in aquatic ecosystems?
Producers, such as phytoplankton and aquatic plants.
What environmental issue can excessive phosphorus runoff lead to in aquatic ecosystems?
Eutrophication, which can cause harmful algal blooms.
