The Phosphorus Cycle Worksheet #15 G10-2

Name: Grade and Section: The Phosphorus Cycle Phosphorus Cycle Phosphorus Cycle The Environmental Literacy Council The Phosphorus Cycle The phosphorus cycle The Phosphorus Cycle Complete the diagram below. Using the image above, explain each organism's role in the nitrogen cycle, by filling in the column to the right in the chart below. A Weathering B Absorption C Decomposition D Sedimentation Complete the summary below by filling in the missing words into the paragraph. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for animals and plants. It plays a critical role in cell development and is a key component of molecules that store energy, such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate), DNA, and lipids(fats and oils). Insufficient phosphorus in the soil can result in a decreased crop yield.Phosphorus moves in a cycle through rocks, water, soil and sediments and organisms.Here are the key steps of the phosphorus cycle:1. Over time, rain and weathering cause rocks to release phosphate ions and other minerals. This inorganic phosphate is then distributed in soils and water.2. Plants take up inorganic phosphate from the soil. The plants may then be consumed by animals. Once in the plant or animal, the phosphate is incorporated into organic molecules such as DNA. When the plant or animal dies, it decays, and the organic phosphate is returned to the soil.3. Within the soil, organic forms of phosphate can be made available to plants by bacteria that break down organic matter to inorganic forms of phosphorus. This process is known as mineralization.4. Phosphorus in soil can end up in waterways and eventually oceans. Once there, it can be incorporated into sediments over time. What role do decomposers play in the phosphorous cycle? combustion absorb phosphorous return phosphorous into the soil release phosphorous into atmosphere The availability of phosphorus in soil to plants depends of several reversible pathways EXCEPT _. pH fungi bacteria adsorption When fields are over-fertilized (through commercial fertilizers or manure), phosphate not utilized by plants can be lost from the soil through _ and water run-off. leaching bleaching weathering phosphorus fixation Which is NOT a part of the phosphorus cycle? phosphate bound to soil phosphate in the atmosphere phosphate absorbed from the soil by plants phosphate incorporated into sedimentary rocks What is released by the weathering of rocks? carbon oxygen nitrogen phosphorus Too much phosphorus in waterways (rivers, lakes) can lead to_. weathering nitrification decomposition eutrophication Which of the following statements is true of the phosphorus cycle? Phosphorus enters the atmosphere as phosphates. Phosphates are used in carbohydrate and glucose storage. The phosphorus cycle utilizes the processes of erosion, and weathering to breakdown phosphates. The phosphorus cycle utilizes bacteria to breakdown phosphates and make them available for plants. Phosphorus is being added to the environment by all of the following activities EXCEPT burning of coal and fossil fuels runoff from feedlots and waste lagoons discharge from municipal sewage plants mining of phosphorus to produce inorganic fertilizers and detergents Which nutrient is not cycled through the atmosphere and stays only on ground level? carbon oxygen nitrogen phosphorus Phosphorous is needed in organisms for the production of ATP DNA Cellular membranes All of the above