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Question

Difficulty: EasyEcological Functions, Nutrient Cycles and Ecological Succession

Which of the following biogeochemical cycles is classified as a sedimentary cycle, where the primary reservoir pool is located in the Earth's crust rather than the atmosphere?

  1. Phosphorus cycleAnswer
  2. B
    Carbon cycle
  3. C
    Nitrogen cycle
  4. D
    Oxygen cycle

Answer

Phosphorus cycle
The phosphorus cycle is a sedimentary nutrient cycle because the major reservoir pool is located in rocks, soil, and oceanic sediment within the Earth's crust, unlike gaseous cycles which reservoir in the atmosphere.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Understand the distinction between gaseous and sedimentary nutrient cycles.
Gaseous cycles have their primary reservoir pool in the atmosphere or hydrosphere, whereas sedimentary cycles have their primary reservoir pool in the lithosphere (Earth's crust).
Classification depends on where the major reservoir of the nutrient element resides in nature.
2
Analyze each nutrient cycle option against reservoir criteria.
Carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles rely predominantly on atmospheric reservoirs, while phosphorus originates mainly from phosphate rocks in soil and sediment.
Weathering of rocks releases phosphate ions into soil and water, confirming phosphorus as a sedimentary cycle.

Key Concept

Classification of Biogeochemical Cycles (Gaseous vs. Sedimentary)
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Topics

Ecological Functions, Nutrient Cycles and Ecological Succession