Given below is a simplified model of phosphorus cycling in a terrestrial ecosystem with four blanks (a - d). Identify the blanks.
Given below is a simplified model of phosphorus cycling in a terrestrial ecosystem with four blanks (a - d). Identify the blanks.
The correct option is B a - Detritus, b - Rock minerals, c - Producers, d - Litter fall
Sedimentary cycle
The reservoir of the sedimentary cycle exists in the Earth’s crust. Examples include the phosphorus cycle.
Phosphorus cycle
Phosphorus cycle includes the following steps:
- Rocks are the reservoir pool and during weathering the phosphorus is added to the soil.
- Phosphorus is used as phosphate by plants.(d) a - Detritus, b - Rock minerals, c - Producers, d - Litter fall
- Plants take up the phosphates and convert it into organic compounds which pass to the consumers through the food chain.
- Phosphorus is obtained directly by consumption of plants by herbivores.
- Carnivores obtain phosphorus indirectly from plants by feeding on herbivores.
- Excreta, litterfall and dead organisms (detritus) are acted upon by the decomposers and the phosphorus is released back into the soil.
- Phosphate solubilising bacteria decompose dead plants and animals which leads to the release of phosphorus.
Detritus
Detritus refers to the freshly deposited dead or decaying organic matter that has accumulated above or below the ground. Excreta, litterfall and dead organisms (detritus) are acted upon by the decomposers and the phosphorus is released back into the soil. Hence ‘a’ represents ‘Detritus’.
Reservoirs of Phosphorus
Rocks are the reservoir of phosphorus. Minor amounts of phosphorus are dissolved in the soil solution due to weathering of rocks which are absorbed by the plants. Hence ‘b’ represents ‘Rock minerals’.
Producers
Plants are called producers because they fix carbon dioxide. Producers perform photosynthesis to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide into glucose molecules. Plants take up the phosphates and convert it into organic compounds which pass to the consumers through the food chain. Hence ‘c’ represents ‘Producers’.
Litter Fall
Plant material that falls to the ground, such as leaves from trees is called litter fall. Excreta, litterfall and dead organisms (detritus) are acted upon by the decomposers and the phosphorus is released back into the soil. Hence ‘d’ represents ‘Litter fall’.
Final answer
(d) a - Detritus, b - Rock minerals, c - Producers, d - Litter fall
Sedimentary cycle
The reservoir of the sedimentary cycle exists in the Earth’s crust. Examples include the phosphorus cycle.
Phosphorus cycle
Phosphorus cycle includes the following steps:
- Rocks are the reservoir pool and during weathering the phosphorus is added to the soil.
- Phosphorus is used as phosphate by plants.(d) a - Detritus, b - Rock minerals, c - Producers, d - Litter fall
- Plants take up the phosphates and convert it into organic compounds which pass to the consumers through the food chain.
- Phosphorus is obtained directly by consumption of plants by herbivores.
- Carnivores obtain phosphorus indirectly from plants by feeding on herbivores.
- Excreta, litterfall and dead organisms (detritus) are acted upon by the decomposers and the phosphorus is released back into the soil.
- Phosphate solubilising bacteria decompose dead plants and animals which leads to the release of phosphorus.
Detritus
Detritus refers to the freshly deposited dead or decaying organic matter that has accumulated above or below the ground. Excreta, litterfall and dead organisms (detritus) are acted upon by the decomposers and the phosphorus is released back into the soil. Hence ‘a’ represents ‘Detritus’.
Reservoirs of Phosphorus
Rocks are the reservoir of phosphorus. Minor amounts of phosphorus are dissolved in the soil solution due to weathering of rocks which are absorbed by the plants. Hence ‘b’ represents ‘Rock minerals’.
Producers
Plants are called producers because they fix carbon dioxide. Producers perform photosynthesis to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide into glucose molecules. Plants take up the phosphates and convert it into organic compounds which pass to the consumers through the food chain. Hence ‘c’ represents ‘Producers’.
Litter Fall
Plant material that falls to the ground, such as leaves from trees is called litter fall. Excreta, litterfall and dead organisms (detritus) are acted upon by the decomposers and the phosphorus is released back into the soil. Hence ‘d’ represents ‘Litter fall’.
Final answer
(d) a - Detritus, b - Rock minerals, c - Producers, d - Litter fall
