Phosphorus Cycle

If the amount of phosphates present in water increased, what would be the most direct effect on the ecosystem?

• It will result in a decrease of phosphates in animal tissues and wastes.

• It will result in a decrease in the weathering of rocks.

• It will result in a decrease in the weathering of rocks.

• It will result in an increase in the incorporation of phosphates into sedimentary rocks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The most abundant source of phosphorus on the planet is:

• soil

• water

• Rocks formed from the Earth’s crust

• Algae blooms

Answer explanation

C is correct. All Phosphorus on the Earth is derived from rock. Weathering and the decay of organic material washes the phosphorus into the soil and water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

Which of the following is a critical function of Phosphorus:

• Nucleotide formation

• Cell membranes

• Plant and animal growth

• All of the above

Answer explanation

D is correct. Phosphorus is a critical component of nucleotides, which are used to make DNA and RNA. In addition, phosphorus is also needed in the formation of the phospholipid bilayer observed in cell membranes. Thus, phosphorus is an essential nutrient required for both plant and animal growth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

Excess phosphorus caused by fertilizers leaching into water systems is dangerous because:

• It causes algae blooms which are toxic to plants in water ecosystems

• It causes algae blooms which are toxic to animals in water ecosystem

• It causes algae blooms which are toxic to the animals which drink the affected water

• D. All of the above

Answer explanation

D is correct. Excess phosphorus results in the overproduction of algae or algae blooms within affected water ecosystems. These algae blooms are toxic to both the plants and animals which live in the ecosystem, as well as the terrestrial animals which consume the water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How many protons does Phosphorus have?

• 1

• 15

• 30

• 16

Which of the following is made of phosphorus? (There is more than one answer

• cell membrane

• nucleotide

• mitochondria

• monosaccarides