Given below is a simplified model of phosphorus cycling in a terrestrial ecosystem with four blanks (A-D). Identify the blanks. [figure]
- A Detritus, B Rock minerals, C Producer, D Litter fall
- A Litter fall, B Producers, C Rock minerals, D Detritus
- A Rock minerals, B Detritus, C Litter fall, D Producers
- A Producers, B Litter fall, C Rock minerals, D Detritus
Answer
(1) A Detritus, B Rock minerals, C Producer, D Litter fall
Solution
As per NCERT, the natural reservoir of phosphorus is rock, which contains phosphorus in the form of phosphates.
Weathering of rock minerals releases phosphates into the soil solution B = Rock minerals.
Plants (producers) absorb phosphates from the soil solution (uptake) and pass them to consumers C = Producers.
Dead parts of producers fall as litter, which joins the detritus D = Litter fall.
Waste products and dead organisms (from consumers and litter) form detritus, which is decomposed by phosphate-solubilising bacteria, releasing phosphorus back into the soil solution A = Detritus.
Answer: (1)