Understanding the Phosphorus Cycle — Passage and Quiz
Understanding the Phosphorus Cycle
Phosphorus is a chemical element that all living things need. It's part of our DNA and helps make our bones strong. The phosphorus cycle shows how this important element moves through the earth, water, and living things.
Unlike other cycles, the phosphorus cycle doesn't involve the air much. Most phosphorus is found in rocks and soil. Over time, rain and wind slowly break down these rocks. This releases phosphorus into the soil.
Plants absorb phosphorus from the soil through their roots. When animals eat these plants, they get the phosphorus too. When plants and animals die or when animals poop, the phosphorus goes back into the soil.
Some phosphorus gets washed into rivers and oceans. In the ocean, it becomes part of rocks on the sea floor. After a very long time, these rocks might be pushed up to become land. Then the cycle starts again.
Humans can affect the phosphorus cycle. We mine phosphorus to make fertilizers for farms. This can be good for growing food, but too much phosphorus can pollute water and harm fish.
The phosphorus cycle is slower than other cycles, but it's just as important. It makes sure living things have the phosphorus they need to grow and stay healthy.
Quiz
1. Where is most of the phosphorus found on Earth?
2. How do plants get phosphorus?
3. What happens to phosphorus when plants and animals die?
4. Animals eat plants 2. Phosphorus returns to the soil 3. Plants absorb phosphorus from the soil 4. Rocks break down, releasing phosphorus
5. How can humans affect the phosphorus cycle?
6. What can happen if too much phosphorus gets into water?
Common core standards covered
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