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Chapter 23: Problem 22

What is the reservoir in the phosphorus cycle? a. oceans b. marine sediments c. plants d. animals

Short Answer

Expert verified
The main reservoir in the phosphorus cycle is (b) marine sediments.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Phosphorus Cycle

The phosphorus cycle is a biogeochemical process involving the movement of phosphorus through the environment, including the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Phosphorus is a crucial element for living organisms as it is a part of DNA, RNA, and ATP molecules. To answer this question, we need to know the primary reservoir that stores the most phosphorus in this cycle.
02

Evaluate Option (a) Oceans

Oceans contain phosphorus in the form of dissolved phosphates or organic matter. However, compared to other reservoirs, the phosphorus concentration in the oceans is relatively low. Thus, oceans are not the primary reservoir of the phosphorus cycle.
03

Evaluate Option (b) Marine Sediments

Marine sediments, including underwater continental shelves, consist of large amounts of phosphorus in the form of phosphorite minerals. As weathering and erosion processes occur, phosphorus from rocks is transported and deposited in marine sediments. Over time, these sediments accumulate and form significant phosphorus reservoirs. This option suggests a more significant storage capacity and is likely the primary reservoir for the phosphorus cycle.
04

Evaluate Option (c) Plants

Plants require phosphorus for growth and cellular functions. They absorb phosphorus from soil or water in the form of inorganic phosphate. However, the storage capacity in plants is limited due to their relatively small biomass compared to other reservoirs. Therefore, plants are not the main reservoir in the phosphorus cycle.
05

Evaluate Option (d) Animals

Animals also require phosphorus for growth and cellular functions, obtaining it from their diet (by consuming plants or other animals). Like plants, animals' phosphorus storage capacity is limited compared to other reservoirs due to their smaller biomass. Thus, animals are not the primary reservoir in the phosphorus cycle.
06

Conclude

After evaluating all options, we can conclude that the main reservoir in the phosphorus cycle is (b) marine sediments. Marine sediments contain large amounts of phosphorus in the form of phosphorite minerals, making them the primary storage location for the phosphorus cycle.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How do nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil contribute to the nitrogen cycle? a. They return nitrogen to the atmosphere. b. They change ammonium to nitrate. c. They change nitrogen to ammonium. d. They withdraw nitrate from the soil. e. They decompose and return nitrogen to autotrophs.

Which of the following contribute(s) to the carbon cycle? a. respiration b. photosynthesis c. fossil fuel combustion d. decomposition of dead organisms e. All of these are correct.

Of the total amount of energy that passes from one trophic level to another, about \(10 \%\) is a. respired and becomes heat. b. passed out as feces or urine. c. stored as body tissue. d. recycled to autotrophs. e. All of these are correct.

In what way are decomposers like producers? a. Either may be the first member of a grazing or a detrital food chain. b. Both produce oxygen for other forms of life. c. Both require nutrient molecules and energy. d. Both are present only on land. e. Both produce organic nutrients for other members of ecosystems.

What is a biochemical cycle? What is a reservoir and an exchange pool? Give an example of each. (page 548 )
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