1. 4.5 – The Phosphorus Cycle
Science 10
Mr. Francis

2. Phosphorus… Who Cares
Phosphorus is a very important elements in many components of living things.
Unlike Carbon, and Nitrogen, Phosphorus is not found in the atmosphere in its cycle

3. Where is phosphorus? Phosphorus comes from the earth’s crust
Phosphate ions (PO43-) dissolve in water. They are moved by weathering and absorbed by producers

5. There are two components to the phosphorus cycle: the short cycle and the long cycle
The short cycle occurs when organisms die and decompose. Their stored phosphorus becomes available to producers.
The long cycle describes the geological path of phosphorus (how it becomes stored as rock)

6. More symbiosis
Mycorrhizae are fungi that exist mutualistically with most plants.
The fungus makes phsophate more soluble so that the plant can use it.
The plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates

7. The human link
Humans introduce a lot of phosphorus to the ecosystem by using fertilizers and animal manure
Sewage treatment plants also introduce phosphates to the water

8. The assignment
Page 100 Questions 1-5,8,10,15,16