Phosphorus Cycle

Environmental Science
Unit 2 Biogeochemcial Cycles

Cycle 2 | Week 3

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• ​How do we obtain phosphorus?

• We obtain phosphorus by...

• ​What other cycles do decomposers play a role in?

• Decomposers play a role in...

​1st step: Weathering

• ​Phosphorus is stored in rocks.

• Weathering takes place as rain or water beats against these rocks.

• The released phosphorus travels down rivers and streams until it ends up in the ocean.

• Where does most weathering occur?

• Most weathering occurs in...

​2nd step: Absorption by plants & animals

• ​Phosphorus in the soil is absorbed by plants.

• The phosphorus can be absorbed again once those plants are eaten by a herbivore.

• Which can be absorbed again once the herbivore is eaten by a carnivore.

• Are the herbivores or the carnivores obtaining more phosphorus from their food? Why?

​3rd step: Decomposition

• ​When plants or animals die and return to the soil.

• Certain bacteria decompose their dead bodies and release phosphorus back into the soil.

• This completes the cycle.

• Where does the phosphate go next?

• Next, the phosphate goes...

Phosphorous Cycle

• Phosphorus is a nutrient essential for the growth and development of organisms

• Phosphorus is stored in the geosphere

• Plants absorb the phosphorus, and animals obtain it when they eat plants and other animals

• Decomposers return phosphorus to soil and water as they break down dead organisms

​Anchor Chart

Your anchor chart must include:

1. A drawing of the phosphorus cycle.

2. Labeling the different processes of the phosphorus cycle.

3. An explanation of each process of the phosphorus cycle.