Over time, sedimentary rock containing phosphorus is gradually uplifted through plate tectonic activity. Follow the phosphorus molecules found in the rock through the whole phosphorus cycle, by numbering the steps that would follow.

Question

To get you started, Step 1 is "Weathering and erosion of the rock deposits the phosphorus into water."`

1. Step 1
The fish is caught and eaten by a bear.
2. Step 2
The bear, after a fruitful life, dies from old age.
3. Step 3
Decomposition of the dead bear releases phosphorus into the soil.
4. Step 4
Soil washes into a lake, where it sinks to the bottom to become sedimentary rock.
5. Step 5
A fish eats aquatic plants.
6. Step 6
Aquatic plants absorb and assimilate the dissolved phosphorus.
7. Step 7
Weathering and erosion of the rock deposits the phosphorus into water.

Answer 1

Based on the phosphorus cycle and the steps provided, I'll organize them in the correct sequence following the initial step of weathering and erosion of the rock deposits. Here are the corrected steps numbered accordingly:

1. Step 1
   Weathering and erosion of the rock deposits the phosphorus into water.

2. Step 6
   Aquatic plants absorb and assimilate the dissolved phosphorus.

3. Step 5
   A fish eats aquatic plants.

4. Step 1
   The fish is caught and eaten by a bear.

5. Step 2
   The bear, after a fruitful life, dies from old age.

6. Step 3
   Decomposition of the dead bear releases phosphorus into the soil.

7. Step 4
   Soil washes into a lake, where it sinks to the bottom to become sedimentary rock.

This sequence flows logically through the phosphorus cycle, starting with weathering and erosion, leading to absorption by plants, consumption by fish, transfer to the bear, decomposition, and finally returning to the soil to become rock again.