Examples of Phosphorus Reservoirs

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🌍 Phosphorus reservoirs are locations where phosphorus is stored in the environment.
• ⛰️ The main reservoirs include rocks and sediment, soil, oceans, and living organisms.
• ⏳ Phosphorus cycles slowly compared to other elements like carbon or nitrogen.
• ⛏️ Weathering of rocks releases phosphate ($PO_4^{3-}$) into the soil.
• 🌱 Plants absorb phosphate from the soil, and it moves through the food chain as animals eat plants and other animals.
• 🌊 In aquatic ecosystems, phosphorus is found in sediments and dissolved in water.
• 💀 Decomposition of organic matter returns phosphorus to the soil and water.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is the largest reservoir of phosphorus?
   1. A) Atmosphere
   2. B) Rocks and Sediments
   3. C) Living Organisms
   4. D) Oceans
2. How does phosphorus primarily enter the soil from rocks?
   1. A) Sublimation
   2. B) Weathering
   3. C) Nitrogen Fixation
   4. D) Photosynthesis
3. In what form do plants absorb phosphorus from the soil?
   1. A) $P_2O_5$
   2. B) $H_3PO_4$
   3. C) $PO_4^{3-}$
   4. D) $P_4$
4. Which process returns phosphorus to the soil and water from living organisms?
   1. A) Transpiration
   2. B) Respiration
   3. C) Decomposition
   4. D) Assimilation
5. Which of the following is NOT a significant reservoir of phosphorus?
   1. A) Soil
   2. B) Atmosphere
   3. C) Oceans
   4. D) Rocks
6. What human activity significantly impacts the phosphorus cycle?
   1. A) Deforestation
   2. B) Burning fossil fuels
   3. C) Mining for fertilizer production
   4. D) Overfishing
7. Where is phosphorus primarily stored in aquatic ecosystems?
   1. A) Atmosphere
   2. B) Sediments
   3. C) Plant Leaves
   4. D) Animal Bones