Phosphorus Cycle Quiz

What is phosphorus primarily stored in within the Earth's crust?

• Sedimentary rocks

• Volcanic rocks

• Metamorphic rocks

• Igneous rocks

During a field trip, Rohan and Anika observed a natural process that releases inorganic phosphates from rocks. Which process did they observe?

• Photosynthesis

• Weathering

• Decomposition

• Precipitation

Aria is conducting a science experiment in her school garden. She wants to understand how plants absorb nutrients from the soil. In what form do plants typically absorb phosphorus?

• Organic phosphates

• Phosphorus dioxide

• Orthophosphate ions

• Elemental phosphorus

Abigail is conducting a soil test in her garden to determine the nutrient availability for her plants. She wants to know what percentage of phosphorus is typically available for plant uptake in soil. What should she expect?

• 50-75%

• 25-50%

• 0.1-1%

• 75-100%

Mia and Kai are working on a school project about ecosystems. They need to identify which organisms are decomposers that help release phosphorus from organic matter. Which of these organisms should they choose?

• Birds

• Bacteria and fungi

• Algae

• Insects

Isla and Zoe are working on a school project about environmental science. They learned that a certain human activity significantly impacts the phosphorus cycle. What is this activity?

• Burning fossil fuels

• Using fertilizers

• Deforestation

• Urban development

Where is most of Earth's phosphorus found?

• In living organisms

• In the atmosphere

• In ocean sediments

• In surface soil

During a field trip to a local farm, Anika observed how nutrients from the soil ended up in the nearby river. What is the primary way phosphorus moves from land to aquatic ecosystems?

• Wind transport

• Animal migration

• Runoff and erosion

• Volcanic activity

Which process returns phosphorus to the soil when organisms die?

• Mineralization

• Crystallization

• Sublimation

• Oxidation

During a school field trip to a nearby lake, Olivia noticed an unusual growth of algae on the water surface. What environmental problem can excess phosphorus in water bodies cause?

• Ocean acidification

• Eutrophication

• Desertification

• Soil salinization