Given below are two statements:
Statement I: The phosphorus cycle begins when phosphorus compounds leach from rocks and minerals over a long period of time.
Statement II: Phosphorus is mainly taken up by producer organisms in the organic form.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
· Statement I: True. The phosphorus cycle begins when phosphorus-containing compounds, such as phosphates (PO₄³⁻), leach from rocks and minerals through weathering processes. This releases phosphorus into the soil and water, making it available to organisms.
· Statement II: False. Phosphorus is primarily taken up by producer organisms (like plants and algae) in the inorganic form as phosphate ions (PO₄³⁻), not in the organic form. Plants convert this inorganic phosphate into organic compounds as part of their metabolic processes.
Information Booster: 1. Phosphorus Cycle: Unlike the carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycles, the phosphorus cycle does not have a gaseous phase. It mainly cycles through rocks, soil, water, and living organisms.
2. Weathering of Rocks: Releases phosphates into the soil and water.
3. Phosphate Uptake: Plants and algae absorb phosphorus in the form of inorganic phosphate (PO₄³⁻).
4. Organic Phosphorus: Once absorbed, phosphorus is incorporated into organic molecules like DNA, RNA, ATP, and phospholipids.
5. Importance of Phosphorus: Essential for plant growth and energy transfer in cells.
Additional Knowledge: · Sources of Phosphorus: Rocks, minerals, and fertilizers.
· Role in Ecosystems: Phosphorus is a limiting nutrient in many ecosystems, meaning its availability controls the rate of growth and productivity.
· Human Impact: Overuse of phosphate-based fertilizers leads to eutrophication, causing excessive plant and algae growth in water bodies.
· Decomposers: Return phosphorus to the soil through the breakdown of organic matter.