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Both carbon and nitrogen are found in the air as gases and are readily absorbed by the body. Unlike them, phosphorus is not in the air as a gas but rather moves slowly from deposits on land and sediments, to living organisms, and then back into the soil and water sediment.

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Why is the phosphorus cycle slower than the nitrogen cycle?

The phosphorus cycle is slower than the nitrogen cycle because phosphorus is released into the environment primarily through the weathering of rocks, which is a slow process. In contrast, nitrogen is converted into usable forms by bacteria through nitrogen fixation at a faster rate, leading to a quicker turnover in the nitrogen cycle.


Is phosphorus cycled through the earths atmosphere?

Phosphorus does not cycle through the Earth's atmosphere like carbon or nitrogen. Instead, phosphorus cycles mainly through terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, where it moves slowly between soil, water, and living organisms. Due to its limited atmospheric presence, phosphorus primarily enters the environment through weathering of rocks and minerals.


What contains the elements carbon nitrogen hydrogen oxygen and phosphorus?

The protein waste product urea.Phosphorus was discovered while boiling down a cauldron full of urine, by an alchemist seeking a way to make the "philosopher's stone". He named it phosphorus because it glowed (from Greek "phos" light and "phoros" bringer), however he was unaware that it was actually slowly burning.


What element is left behind when a plant or animal decays slowly?

When a plant or animal decays slowly, carbon is one of the primary elements left behind. As organic matter decomposes, carbon compounds break down, and some of that carbon eventually becomes part of the soil. Additionally, other elements like nitrogen and phosphorus may also remain, but carbon is the most significant in terms of organic decay. This process contributes to the nutrient cycling in ecosystems.


The process by which a lake is slowly replaced by a swamp is called environment?

The process by which a lake is slowly replaced by a swamp is called eutrophication. This occurs when excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus enter the water, leading to the overgrowth of plants and algae. As these plants die and decay, they create organic matter that eventually fills in the lake, turning it into a swamp.


What are facts about phosphorus?

It burns slowly in oxygen causing a glow that will not harm you. It also can be used as a fertillizer.


What is meant by nutrient limitation?

Nutrient limitation occurs when an organism's growth or productivity is restricted by a lack of essential nutrients in its environment. This can lead to reduced development, smaller size, or lower reproductive success. Different nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, or micronutrients, can be limiting factors for various organisms depending on their specific needs.


Why did the percentage of nitrogen slowly increase when the earth was forming?

Due to volcanoes


What part do fish in a lake play in the nitrogen cycle?

Respiration. Also, if the fish die, they slowly return the nitrogen to the air.


Does phosphorus react with water?

Yes, phosphorus can react with water. White phosphorus is highly reactive with water, igniting spontaneously upon contact to form phosphoric acid and releasing heat. Red phosphorus is less reactive and does not ignite in water, but can slowly hydrolyze to form phosphoric acid.


How and when autumn occurs?

Slowly when the summer goes away


Theory that evolutionary change occurs slowly?

Gradualism.