MHT CET 202624 AprilEvening Shift
- Exam
- MHT CET
- Year
- 2026
- Date
- 24 April
- Shift
- Evening Shift
- Subject
- Biology
- Chapter
- Ecosystem
MHT CET 2026 · 24 April · Evening Shift · Biology · Ecosystem
Which of the following statements is FALSE about the Phosphorus...
Which of the following statements is FALSE about the Phosphorus Cycle?
Options
- AAtmospheric inputs of phosphorus through rainfall are meagre.
- BGaseous exchange of phosphorus between organisms and the environment are negligible.
- CPhosphorus does not act as a limiting factor for plant growth.
- DAgricultural runoff rich in phosphate content leads to eutrophication.
Correct answer
C. Phosphorus does not act as a limiting factor for plant growth.
Step-by-step solution
Analyzing each statement regarding the Phosphorus Cycle:
Statement (1): Unlike the carbon cycle, atmospheric inputs of phosphorus through rainfall are indeed much smaller. This statement is true.
Statement (2): Phosphorus is a sedimentary cycle. There is no significant respiratory release or gaseous phase for phosphorus, meaning gaseous exchange between organisms and the environment is negligible. This statement is true.
Statement (3): Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for plants. In many ecosystems, its availability in the soil is low, often making it a major limiting factor for plant growth. Thus, the statement 'Phosphorus does not act as a limiting factor for plant growth' is false.
Statement (4): Runoff from agricultural fields containing high amounts of phosphate fertilizers enriches water bodies with nutrients, accelerating the growth of algae and leading to eutrophication. This statement is true.
Therefore, the false statement is (3).
Answer: Phosphorus does not act as a limiting factor for plant growth.
Statement (1): Unlike the carbon cycle, atmospheric inputs of phosphorus through rainfall are indeed much smaller. This statement is true.
Statement (2): Phosphorus is a sedimentary cycle. There is no significant respiratory release or gaseous phase for phosphorus, meaning gaseous exchange between organisms and the environment is negligible. This statement is true.
Statement (3): Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for plants. In many ecosystems, its availability in the soil is low, often making it a major limiting factor for plant growth. Thus, the statement 'Phosphorus does not act as a limiting factor for plant growth' is false.
Statement (4): Runoff from agricultural fields containing high amounts of phosphate fertilizers enriches water bodies with nutrients, accelerating the growth of algae and leading to eutrophication. This statement is true.
Therefore, the false statement is (3).
Answer: Phosphorus does not act as a limiting factor for plant growth.