Answer:
First I'd be found in rocks. Erosion would wash me into the soil. Then I'd be absorbed by plants, fungi or microorganisms so they can grow. Animals would get me by eating the plants or drinking the water that eroded the rock. The plants and animals die and I'm absorbed back into the soil.
Explanation:
Phosphorus Cycle Steps
The phosphorus cycle is a slow process, which involves five key steps.
Weathering
Since the main source of phosphorus is found in rocks, the first step of the phosphorus cycle involves the extraction of phosphorus from the rocks by weathering. Weather events, such as rain and other sources of erosion, result in phosphorus being washed into the soil.
Absorption by Plants and Animals
Once in the soil, plants, fungi, and microorganisms are able to absorb phosphorus and grow. In addition, phosphorus can also be washed into the local water systems. Plants can also directly absorb phosphorus from the water and grow. In addition to plants, animals also obtain phosphorus from drinking water and eating plants.
Return to the Environment via Decomposition
When plants and animals die, decomposition results in the return of phosphorus back to the environment via the water or soil.
Plants and animals in these environments can then use this phosphorus, and step 2 of the cycle is repeated.
Human Impact on the Phosphorus Cycle
Humans have had a significant impact on the phosphorus cycle due to a variety of human activities, such as the use of fertilizer, the distribution of food products, and artificial eutrophication. Fertilizers containing phosphorus add to the phosphorus levels in the soil and are particularly detrimental when such products are washed into local aquatic ecosystems. When phosphorus is added to waters at a rate typically achieved by natural processes, it is referred to as natural eutrophication. A natural supply of phosphorus over time provides nutrients to the water and serves to increase the productivity of that particular ecosystem. However, when foods are shipped from farms to cities, the substantial levels of Phosphorus that is drained into the water systems is called artificial or anthropogenic eutrophication. When levels of phosphorus are too high, the overabundance of plant nutrients serves to drive the excessive growth of algae. However, these algae die or form algae blooms, which are toxic to the plants and animals in the ecosystem. Thus, human activities serve to harm aquatic ecosystems, whenever excess amounts of phosphorus are leached into the water.
