AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Humans and other animals obtain P from eating plants, and use it to make bones, teeth, and shells. It is also an important constituent of cell membranes, DNA, RNA, and ATP. Phosphorus is excreted as phosphate and organic-P compounds. Soil microbes recycle P for plant uptake, thereby making it available to all animals.

Detailed explanation-2: -Animals absorb phosphates by eating plants or plant-eating animals. Phosphorus cycles through plants and animals much faster than it does through rocks and sediments.

Detailed explanation-3: -Animals get the phosphorus and other nutrients they need by eating aquatic plants, other animals, or decomposing plant and animal material. As plants and animals excrete wastes or die, the organic phosphorus they contain sinks to the bottom, where bacterial decomposition converts it back to bioavailable phosphates.

Detailed explanation-4: -In most mammalian species inorganic phosphorus (P) is absorbed at the duodenal and jejunal level. However in horses some P is absorbed from the large intestine, whereas in ruminant animals some absorption also takes place in the forestomachs.

Detailed explanation-5: -Steps of Phosphorus Cycle Weathering. Absorption by Plants. Absorption by Animals. Return to the Environment through Decomposition.