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 primarily involves the weathering of rocks to release phosphorus into the soil, which is then taken up by plants and passed through the food chain. Atmospheric phosphorus is not a significant component of this cycle.

Answer: E 
 The nitrogen cycle involves the movement of diatomic nitrogen (N2) between the biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem, with nitrogen fixation by bacteria and lightning converting N2 to forms usable by living organisms. The cycle also includes denitrification, which returns nitrogen to the atmosphere.

The statements in choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

Which of the Following Statements Is Correct About Biogeochemical Cycling