Phosphorus cycle Flashcards
1
Q
Where is phosphorus traditionally found?
A
In bird droppings (guano)
2
Q
How is phosphorus released?
A
Rain weathers rocks, releasing the phosphorus and this is washed away by the rain. Phosphorus is also stored in soil and taken up by plants. Rocks are also weathered by microorganisms that get nutrients from rocks.
3
Q
What is eutrophication?
A
Agricultural chemicals cause high nutrients to run into water supplies causing algal blooms which block out the sun and kill plants in the water.
4
Q
What is phosphorus used for?
A
Making ATP, DNA and RNA. 90% is used in food production, with reserves expected to be depleted in 50 years.
5
Q
What is different about the phosphorus cycle compared to the carbon and nitrogen cycle?
A
It doesn’t involve the atmosphere.
