The Question is from neet-botany ecology-environment nutrient-cycling, and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

Which of the following processes is NOT a crucial part of the phosphorus cycle in a terrestrial ecosystem?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Phosphorus cycle in terrestrial ecosystems
 **Related Topics**: Biogeochemical cycles, nutrient cycling, soil ecology
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of the basic processes involved in nutrient cycling.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks to identify a process that is NOT crucial to the phosphorus cycle in a terrestrial ecosystem.
  Options: Weathering of phosphate rocks, absorption by plants, decomposition releasing phosphates, atmospheric fixation by bacteria.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze each option's role in the phosphorus cycle.
  Reasoning: The phosphorus cycle involves the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.  It differs from the nitrogen and carbon cycles in that it lacks a significant atmospheric component.
 2. Identify the option that does not fit the terrestrial phosphorus cycle.
  Working: Let's examine each option:
  a. Weathering of phosphate-containing rocks: This releases phosphorus into the soil, making it available to plants. Crucial.
  b. Absorption of phosphate ions by plants: Plants absorb phosphate from the soil, incorporating it into their tissues. Crucial.
  c. Decomposition of organic matter releasing phosphates: When organisms die and decompose, the phosphorus in their tissues is returned to the soil. Crucial.
  d. Atmospheric fixation by specialized bacteria:  Unlike nitrogen, phosphorus does not have a significant gaseous phase in its cycle.  Atmospheric fixation is not a major process in the terrestrial phosphorus cycle.
 3. Conclude which process is not crucial.
  Result: Atmospheric fixation by specialized bacteria (option D) is not a crucial part of the terrestrial phosphorus cycle.
  Verification: The other options are all essential steps in the terrestrial phosphorus cycle.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A ✓: Weathering of phosphate-containing rocks is a vital source of phosphorus entering the terrestrial ecosystem.
B :x: Absorption of phosphate ions by plants is a key step in the uptake of phosphorus by organisms.
C :x: Decomposition releases phosphorus back into the soil, making it available for reuse.
D :x: Atmospheric fixation of phosphorus is insignificant compared to the other processes listed.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the phosphorus cycle with the nitrogen cycle: The nitrogen cycle has a significant atmospheric component (nitrogen fixation), while the phosphorus cycle does not.
  How to avoid: Focus on the key differences between the cycles.
  2.Overlooking the importance of weathering: Weathering is a primary source of phosphorus in terrestrial ecosystems.
  How to avoid: Understand the different sources and sinks of phosphorus.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Remember that phosphorus is primarily a sedimentary cycle, with limited atmospheric involvement.
  2.  Focus on the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Weathering of phosphate-containing rocks

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Absorption of phosphate ions by plants

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Decomposition of organic matter releasing phosphates

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Atmospheric fixation by specialized bacteria"

NEET Botany Ecology and Environment Nutrient Cycling MCQs

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