Ecosystem Ques 3

3. Given below is a simplified model of phosphorus cycling in a terrestrial ecosystem with four blanks (A-D). Identify the blanks:-

[2014]

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$ \begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|} \hline \mathrm{A} & \text { B } & \text { C } & \text { D } \\ \hline \text { Rock } & \begin{array}{l} \text { Detritus } \\ \text { minerals } \end{array} & \text { Litter fall } & \text { Producers } \\ \hline \begin{array}{l} \text { Litter } \\ \text { fall } \end{array} & \text { Producers } & \text { Rock } & \begin{array}{l} \text { Detritus } \\ \text { minerals } \end{array} \\ \hline \begin{array}{l} \text { Detritus } \\ \text { minerals } \end{array} & \text { Rock } & \text { Producer } & \text { Litter fall } \\ \hline \text { Producers } & \text { Litter } \mathrm{f} & 1 \text { Rock } & \begin{array}{l} \text { Detritus } \\ \text { minerals } \end{array} \\ \hline \end{array} $

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Answer:

Correct Answer: 3.( c )

Solution:

  1. (c) Phosphorus is an important element for living beings. Consumers obtain phosphorus directly or indirectly from plants. Phosphorus is also present in phosphatic rocks. It is released during the decomposition of plant and animal remains. The released phosphorus may reach the deeper layers of soil and gets deposited as phosphate rocks. All plants and animals eventually die and in due time, their organic remains or debris decay through the action of micro-organism and the phosphates are released into the water for recycling.