Unit 1 Phosphorus Cycle

Question 1

1

Answer 1

Phosphates in rocks are uplifted by tectonic movement

Question 2

2

Answer 2

Phosphates are removed from rock by weathering and erosion

Question 3

3

Answer 3

Phosphates enter water or soil and are assimilated by living things

Question 4

4

Answer 4

Decomposition of animal waste and dead organisms returns phosphorus to soils/ water

Question 5

5

Answer 5

Phosphates precipitate out of water as sediments are compressed into rocks

Question 6

Phosphorus sources

Answer 6

Rocks and sediments

Question 7

Eutrophication

Answer 7

To much n and p
Bc they are limiting nutrients in aq ecosystems extra input of n and p lead to eutrophication ( excess nutrients) which fuels algae growth
Algae bloom covers surface of water, blocking sunlight and killing plants below surface
Algae eventually die off
Lower o2 levels in water kills aquatic animals
Bacteria use up even more o2 to decompose dead aq animals