Question

Compare and contrast the terrestrial and marine phosphorus cycles and how are they related?

a) Terrestrial phosphorus cycle occurs on land, while marine phosphorus cycle occurs in water bodies. They are related through weathering and erosion processes.

b) Terrestrial phosphorus cycle involves soil interactions, while marine phosphorus cycle involves interactions in aquatic ecosystems. They are related through nutrient exchange.

c) Terrestrial phosphorus cycle involves plant and animal interactions on land, while marine phosphorus cycle involves interactions among aquatic organisms. They are related through the food chain.

d) Terrestrial and marine phosphorus cycles are entirely separate processes with no direct relationship.

Answer 1

The terrestrial and marine phosphorus cycles are related through nutrient exchange. In the terrestrial cycle, phosphate moves through soil, plants, and animals. In the marine cycle, phosphate cycles through various organisms in the ocean.

Step-by-step explanation:

The terrestrial and marine phosphorus cycles have some similarities and differences. In the terrestrial phosphorus cycle, phosphate is released into the soil through weathering and volcanic activity, and it becomes available to terrestrial food webs. Phosphate then enters the oceans through surface runoff, groundwater flow, and river flow. In the marine phosphorus cycle, phosphate dissolved in ocean water cycles into marine food webs, and some phosphate falls to the ocean floor, forming sediment.

Both cycles are related through nutrient exchange. In the terrestrial cycle, phosphate from the soil is taken up by plants, and it is then transferred to animals through the food chain. In the marine cycle, phosphate is taken up by various organisms in the ocean, including phytoplankton, which are the primary producers. The marine food web is interconnected, with nutrients being transferred from one organism to another.

Therefore, the correct option is c) Terrestrial phosphorus cycle involves plant and animal interactions on land, while marine phosphorus cycle involves interactions among aquatic organisms. They are related through the food chain.