Which of the following statements is correct about biogeochemical cycling?
A) The phosphorus cycle involves the recycling of atmospheric phosphorus.
B) The phosphorus cycle involves the weathering of rocks.
C) The carbon cycle is a localized cycle that primarily involves the burning of fossil fuels.
D) The carbon cycle has maintained a constant atmospheric concentration of CO₂ for the past million years.
E) The nitrogen cycle involves movement of diatomic nitrogen between the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phosphorus cycle involves the weathering of rocks, as phosphorus is typically found in phosphate minerals in rocks and soil.

Answer: E
 The nitrogen cycle involves movement of diatomic nitrogen (N₂) between the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem, with nitrogen fixation by bacteria being a key process to make nitrogen usable for plants and animals.

The other statements are incorrect:
A) The phosphorus cycle does not involve the recycling of atmospheric phosphorus; atmospheric phosphorus is a negligible component of the cycle.
C) The carbon cycle is not a localized cycle and involves many different processes besides burning fossil fuels.
D) The atmospheric concentration of CO₂ has not been constant over the past million years and has undergone significant fluctuations.

Which of the Following Statements Is Correct About Biogeochemical Cycling