Question

Identify the image. What does it represent?

• A. Phosphorus cycle, which is an example of gaseous cycle
• B. Phosphorus cycle, which is an example of sedimentary cycle
• C. Carbon cycle, which is an example of gaseous cycle
• D. Carbon cycle, which is an example of sedimentary cycle

Answer 1

The correct option is C Carbon cycle, which is an example of gaseous cycle

Movement of nutrients occurs through various biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem and is termed as biogeochemical cycle. It is of two types based on the reservoirs -

• Gaseous cycle - The reservoir exists in the atmosphere. Example: Nitrogen, carbon, etc.
• Sedimentary cycle - The reservoir exists in the earth’s crust. Examples : Sulphur, phosphorus, etc.

The image represents the carbon cycle which is an example of a gaseous cycle.
Carbon cycling occurs through the atmosphere, oceans, living and dead organisms. Most of the global carbon is found in oceans which regulates the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Considerable amount of carbon dioxide returns back to the atmosphere due to the respiratory activities of the producers and consumers. Some amount of carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere due to the decomposition of dead organic matter of land and oceans. Other additional sources of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are due to burning of wood, forest fires, volcanic activity, burning of fossil fuel, etc. Some amount of carbon is lost to the sediments and hence it is removed from circulation.