AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Phosphorus can be found on earth in water, soil and sediments. Unlike the compounds of other matter cycles phosphorus cannot be found in air in the gaseous state.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are no major gaseous forms of phosphorus, so aside from wind distributing small particles of dust containing phosphorus, only very small amounts of phosphorus move through the atmosphere.

Detailed explanation-3: -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-4: -Phosphorus moves in a cycle through rocks, water, soil and sediments and organisms. Over time, rain and weathering cause rocks to release phosphate ions and other minerals. This inorganic phosphate is then distributed in soils and water. Plants take up inorganic phosphate from the soil.