Chapter 2, Problem 38A

Summary Introduction

To explain:

How decomposers supply phosphorus to soil, groundwater, oceans, lakes, ponds, and rivers

Introduction : Phosphorus cycle has a short term cycle and a long term cycle. It is an element that is essential for growth and development of organisms.

Answer to Problem 38A

Decomposers supply phosphorus to soil, groundwater, oceans, lakes, ponds, and rivers by breaking down the nutrients in organisms. The decomposers break down complex organics molecules to simple molecules and release them back to the soil and water.

Explanation of Solution

  

The above illustration represents a phosphorus cycle. Phosphorus is an element that is essential for growth and development of organisms. The cycle has a short term cycle and a long term cycle. In the short term cycle phosphorus in the form of phosphates is cycled from producers to consumers. When the organisms die or produce waste products, decomposers return the phosphorus back to the soil where it can be reused. They break down the complex organic molecules and return the nutrients back to the cycle. The decomposers are an important part of the cycle as they help in replenishing the soil with phosphorus which would have otherwise get lost from the ecosystem. Decomposers make nutrients available to the organisms thereby maintaining a balance in the level of phosphorus in the ecosystem.