AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Unlike nitrogen, the phosphorus cycle does not have a significant atmospheric component. A chemical distribution of phosphorus between aquatic and particulate components occurs via, e.g., adsorption and precipitation processes.

Detailed explanation-2: -Unlike carbon or nitrogen, however, phosphorus moves only through the lithosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere. It is one of the only biogeochemical cycles that does not involve a gaseous stage, meaning that it does not become part of Earth’s atmosphere in any significant way.

Detailed explanation-3: -Phosphorus is absorbed by the organic matter in the soil which is used for various biological processes. Since phosphorus and phosphorus-containing compounds are present only on land, atmosphere plays no significant role in the phosphorus cycle.

Detailed explanation-4: -The phosphorus cycle does not contain an atmospheric phase, while both the sulfur and nitrogen cycles do.

Detailed explanation-5: -Q. Which of the following statements is true of the phosphorus cycle? Phosphorus enters the atmosphere as phosphates. The phosphorus cycle utilizes the processes of erosion, and weathering.