1. Phosphorus is essential for life processes in plants and animals.
Phosphorus is a part of the ___________that carries __________ in living cells.
Phosphorus promotes ____________________________________________________________________________________
In animals, phosphorous and calcium are important for_______________.
Phosphorous is trapped as phosphates in sediments and rock.
Phosphates are: PO43–, HPO42– and H2PO4–
Phosphates can be found in _______________and the _____________of ocean floors.
(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007

2. The release of phosphorous
Weathering releases these phosphates from rocks.
_______________________, via acid precipitation or lichens, releases phosphates.
_______________________, including wind, water and freezing, releases phosphates.
Phosphates are then absorbed by plants, which are then eaten by animals.
Weathering does not occur until there is ___________________, exposing the rock to chemical and physical weathering.
See pages
(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007

3. Humans and the phosphorous cycle
Humans ________________________to the environment through mining for fertilizer components and detergents.
Extra phosphorus, often along with potassium, then enters the ecosystems faster than methods can_________________________.
Humans can also ____________phosphorus supplies.
Slash-and-burning of forests removes phosphorus from trees, and it then is deposited as ash in waterways.
See page 85
The Phosphorus Cycle
(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007

4. How Changes in Nutrient Cycles Affect Biodiversity
Any significant changes to any of these nutrients
(C, H, O, N, or P) can greatly_________________.
Carbon cycle changes contribute to climate change and global warming.
Slight temperature fluctuations and changes in water levels can________________________________.
Changes that influence one organism will affect other organisms in food web.
________________________can allow certain plant species to outcompete other species, decreasing resources for every species in the food webs.
________________________can inhibit the growth of algae that are very important producers in many food chains.
See pages
(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007