2020 Phase-2 EcosystemBiogeochemical cycles - phosphorus cycle Medium Question 31 of 85 in Ecosystem

Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the phosphorus cycle?

A It is sedimentary cycle
B Phosphates are the major form of phosphorus reservoir
C Phosphorus solubilising bacteria facilitate the release of phosphorus from organic remains
D There is appreciable respiratory release of phosphorus into atmosphere

The answer is D.

Solution

Unlike the carbon or nitrogen cycles, the phosphorus cycle is a sedimentary cycle with no significant gaseous/atmospheric phase — there is no appreciable respiratory release of phosphorus into the atmosphere, so this statement is incorrect.

Concept Biogeochemical cycles - phosphorus cycle

Ecosystem in past papers

85 questions from this chapter have appeared across 26 exam years.