AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Correct answer: The phosphorus cycle does not include a gaseous phase, resulting in no significant quantities of atmospheric phosphorus. Explanation: The phosphorus cycle does not contain an atmospheric phase, while both the sulfur and nitrogen cycles do.

Detailed explanation-2: -The phosphorus cycle is unique among other major biogeochemical cycles in having no significant atmospheric component. The reason for this being that phosphorus, is solid at normal temperature and pressure and it does not circulate in the atmosphere.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -Unlike the compounds of other matter cycles phosphorus cannot be found in air in the gaseous state. This is because phosphorus is usually liquid at normal temperatures and pressures. It is mainly cycling through water, soil and sediments.

Detailed explanation-5: -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.