Flashcards
The Phosphorus Cycle
Cards in this deck (7)
- 1Stage 1phosphate ions in rocks are released into the soil by weathering
- 2stage 2phosphate ions are taken into plants through the roots. Mycorrhizae greatly increase the rate at which phosphate can be assimilated
- 3stage 3phosphate ions are transferred through the food chain as animals eat the plants and are in turn eaten by other animals
- 4stage 4phosphate ions are lost from the animals in waste products
- 5stage 5When plants and animals die, saprobionts are involved in breaking down the organic compounds, releasing phosphate ions into the soil for assimilation by plants. These microorganisms also release the phosphate ions from urine and faeces.
- 6stage 6Weathering of rocks also release phosphate ions into seas, lakes and rivers. This is taken up by aquatic producers, such as algae, and passed along the food chain to birds.
- 7stage 7The waste produced by sea birds is known as guano and contains a high proportion of phosphate ions. Guano returns a significant amount of phosphate ions to soils (particularly coastal areas). It is often used as a natural fertiliser
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- A-Level A Level Biology (Topic 5-B: Energy Transfer and Nutrient Cycles) Flashcards on The Phosphorus Cycle, created by Heather Jones on 26/10/2016.
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- Heather Jones
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