NEET 2014
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2014
- Subject
- Botany
- Chapter
- Ecosystem
NEET 2014 · Botany · Ecosystem
Given below is a simplified model of phosphorus cycling in a...
Given below is a simplified model of phosphorus cycling in a terrestrial ecosystem with four blanks (A-D). Identify the blanks.
Options
- A
A-Litter fall;
B-Producers;
C-Rock minerals;
D-Detritus. - B
A-Producers;
B-Litter fall;
C-Rock minerals;
D-Detritus. - C
A-Detritus;
B-Rock minerals;
C-Producers;
D-Litter fall. - DA-Producers;
B-Litter fall;
C-Detritus;
D-Rock minerals.
Correct answer
C.
A-Detritus;
B-Rock minerals;
C-Producers;
D-Litter fall.
Step-by-step solution
The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Unlike many other biogeochemical cycles, the atmosphere does not play a significant role in the movement of phosphorus, because phosphorus and phosphorus-based compounds are usually solids at the typical ranges of temperature and pressure found on Earth. Therefore, the phosphorus cycle should be viewed from the whole Earth system and then specifically focused on the cycle in terrestrial and aquatic systems. 
The producers and consumers after death form the detritus which upon decomposition forms the soil. The rock minerals also undergo the process of weathering and form the soil.