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Questions and Answers
What form of phosphorus predominantly exists in nature?
What form of phosphorus predominantly exists in nature?
- Phosphorus gas
- Phosphoric acid
- Phosphate ions (correct)
- Calcium phosphate
What is the primary consequence of phosphorus runoff into aquatic ecosystems?
What is the primary consequence of phosphorus runoff into aquatic ecosystems?
- Increased fish populations
- Eutrophication (correct)
- Reduced water temperature
- Enhanced biodiversity
Which nutrient is often considered the limiting factor for growth in freshwater ecosystems?
Which nutrient is often considered the limiting factor for growth in freshwater ecosystems?
- Phosphorus (correct)
- Silicon
- Iron
- Nitrogen
How does weathering of sedimentary rocks relate to the phosphorus cycle?
How does weathering of sedimentary rocks relate to the phosphorus cycle?
What happens to phosphorus when plants and animals die?
What happens to phosphorus when plants and animals die?
What factors contribute to phosphorus entering the water supply?
What factors contribute to phosphorus entering the water supply?
Which of the following statements about the phosphorus cycle is correct?
Which of the following statements about the phosphorus cycle is correct?
Why is phosphorus considered an essential nutrient?
Why is phosphorus considered an essential nutrient?
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Study Notes
Phosphorus Cycle Overview
- Phosphorus is crucial for living organisms, integral to DNA, cell membranes, and calcium phosphate in bones.
- The phosphorus cycle operates slowly compared to other biogeochemical cycles like water, carbon, and nitrogen.
- Most phosphorus exists as phosphate ions in nature.
Importance of Phosphorus
- Essential nutrient necessary for growth and development, particularly for aquatic ecosystems where it often limits growth.
- Acts as a limiting nutrient by being the most scarce in certain environments.
Natural Cycling of Phosphorus
- Phosphate compounds are primarily found in sedimentary rocks; weathering of these rocks releases phosphorus into water and soil over time.
- Volcanic ash and mineral dust contribute to phosphate availability, although phosphorus has no gas phase.
- Phosphates are absorbed by plants and transferred to herbivores or carnivores consuming them.
Phosphorus in Ecosystems
- Organic waste from plants and animals returns phosphorus to the soil or is utilized by detritivores.
- Surface runoff can transport phosphorus to aquatic environments, facilitating nutrient uptake by aquatic organisms.
Eutrophication
- Runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers can lead to eutrophication, causing excessive algal growth in water bodies.
- Algal overgrowth depletes oxygen in the water, potentially creating dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive.
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