Phosphorus Cycle

Front

What are the natural sources of phosphorus in the phosphorus cycle?

Back

Rocks, minerals, soil, and dead organisms (organic matter)

Front

Discuss the role of human activities in altering the phosphorus cycle.

Back

Human activities increase phosphorus input into the environment, leading to eutrophication and soil nutrient imbalances.

Front

Explain the concept of phosphorus runoff and its consequences.

Back

Phosphorus runoff is the movement of phosphorus from land to water bodies, causing eutrophication and other negative impacts on water quality.

Front

How do animals contribute to the phosphorus cycle?

Back

Animals contribute to the phosphorus cycle by eating plants or other animals that have absorbed phosphorus from the soil and excreting waste or upon death, returning phosphorus to the soil.

Front

What is sedimentation?

Back

The process by which material is deposited, or settles, in a location until forming sedimentary rocks.

Front

Define the phosphorus cycle.

Back

The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.

Front

What is eutrophication?

Back

Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Front

How does weathering contribute to the phosphorus cycle?

Back

Weathering of rocks releases phosphorus into the soil and water, making it available for uptake by plants.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the phosphorus cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organisms, returning phosphorus to the soil and making it available for plants.

Front

What is the impact of phosphorus on aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Excess phosphorus can lead to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life.