AP Environmental Science 1.6: Phosphorus Cycle
Practice AP Environmental Science questions on the phosphorus cycle, biological roles of phosphorus, and differences from the carbon cycle.
- Syllabus
- Effective Fall 2025
- Course
- AP Environmental Science
Covered syllabus points
1.6 The Phosphorus Cycle question 1
[Maximum number: 2]
Biogeochemical cycles describe the movement of certain elements (typically bound with other elements in compounds) through Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. These elements and their compounds are necessary components of all life, and because they cycle, they can be used repeatedly by new generations of organisms. Each biogeochemical cycle has different pathways with various reservoirs (sources and sinks) where elements may reside for days or millions of years.
Question (a)
(a)
Phosphorus is another element important to all organisms.
[ 2 ]
Question (i)
(i)
Describe one major way in which the phosphorus cycle differs from the carbon cycle.
[ 1 ]
(1 point for a correct description of a difference between the phosphorus and carbon cycles)
- Phosphorus cycle does not typically have a gas/atmospheric phase
- It is more difficult for living organisms to access phosphorus since it has to be weathered from rocks and minerals (phosphorus cycle is much "slower" than the carbon cycle; phosphorus has fewer sinks than carbon)
Question (ii)
(ii)
Identify one reason that phosphorus is necessary for organisms.
[ 1 ]
Identify one reason that phosphorus is necessary for organisms.
(1 point for a correct reason that phosphorus is necessary for organisms)
- Phosphorus is a component of nucleotides/ATP in cells
- It is necessary for the formation of DNA and RNA
- Phospholipids are a major component of all cell membranes
- Phosphorus is found in/gives strength to the bones and/or enamel of teeth in mammals
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