Question

How does the phosphorus move in the arrows labeled C?


a
By eating plants and animals
b
Via evaporation in the atmospheric phase
c
Through waste elimination and death and decomposition
d
In soil uplifting and sea spray

Answer 1

To determine how phosphorus moves in the arrows labeled C, we need to consider the typical pathways of phosphorus in an ecosystem.

Phosphorus primarily cycles through the environment in a series of biological and geological processes. In this context, let's analyze each option:

a. **By eating plants and animals** - This option describes how phosphorus can transfer through the food web, as animals obtain phosphorus by consuming plants and other animals.

b. **Via evaporation in the atmospheric phase** - Phosphorus does not cycle via evaporation, as it is not gaseous like water or certain other elements (like nitrogen).

c. **Through waste elimination and death and decomposition** - This option describes a key process of phosphorus cycling. When organisms die or excrete waste, phosphorus is returned to the soil or water, where it becomes available for uptake by plants.

d. **In soil uplifting and sea spray** - While phosphorus can be released through geological processes (like weathering of rocks), sea spray is more associated with the cycling of water and salts rather than phosphorus.

Given these options, the correct choice for how phosphorus moves in the arrows labeled C is:

**c. Through waste elimination and death and decomposition.**