NEET Solved Paper 2014 Question 87
Question: Given below is a simplified model of phosphorus cycling in a terrestrial ecosystem with four blanks (A-D). Identify the blanks. [AIPMT 2014]
Options:
A) A- Rock Mineral B- Detritus C- Litter fall D- Producers
B) A- Litter fall B- Producers C- Rock minerals D- Detritus
C) A- Detritus B- Rock Minerals C- Producer D- Litter fall
D) A- Producers B- Litter C- Rock minerals D- Detritus
Show Answer
Answer:
Correct Answer: C
Solution:
- Rock is the natural reservoir of phosphorus.
Minor amounts of phosphorus get dissolved in the soil solution due to the weathering of rocks which is absorbed by the roots of plants.
Herbivorous animals obtain phosphorus by consuming plants and carnivores obtain it by feeding on herbivores.
Decomposition of the dead plants and animals (detritus) by phosphate-solubilising bacteria also releases phosphorus. This way the phosphorus is cycled.
A - Detritus, B - Rock minerals, C - Producer, D - Litter fall
