The phosphorous and carbon cycles are substantially different in that
A) humans have greatly affected the carbon cycle only.
B) phosphorus, unlike carbon, is not essential for life and does not stay in organisms for long.
C) carbon, unlike phosphorus, exists in rocks only in small quantities.
D) unlike the carbon cycle, very little of the phosphorus cycle involves the atmosphere.
E) None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phosphorus cycle mainly involves the soil and water, and very little of it involves the atmosphere. In contrast, the carbon cycle involves significant exchanges between the atmosphere, oceans, and land, with humans greatly affecting its balance. Option A is incorrect because humans have also affected the phosphorus cycle through activities such as mining and fertilizer use. Option B is incorrect because phosphorus is essential for life and does stay in organisms for a significant period. Option C is incorrect because carbon exists in rocks in large quantities (e.g., fossil fuels), although it is not a major component of most rocks.

The Phosphorous and Carbon Cycles Are Substantially Different in That