Phosphorus, which is often a limiting nutrient in ecosystems, is important because it

A) is part of the hydrologic cycle.
B) is found only in sedimentary rocks.
C) evaporates quickly.
D) is necessary for the production of cellulose so that autotrophs can grow and provide food for heterotrophs.
E) is needed for molecules such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), cell membranes, and nucleic acids.