Which of the Following is an Example of a Local

Question

Which of the following is an example of a local biogeochemical cycle?
A)O₂ released by oak trees in a forest
B)CO₂ absorbed by phytoplankton in the open ocean
C)excess NO₃⁻ converted to N₂ by denitrifying soil bacteria
D)phosphorous being absorbed from the soil by a corn plant
E)organic carbon remains of a leaf being converted to CO₂ by a fungus

Accepted Answer

The absorption of phosphorous from the soil by a corn plant is an example of a local biogeochemical cycle because the cycling of phosphorous occurs in a localized area, specifically within the soil-plant system. This cycle does not involve the movement of phosphorous through large-scale systems or between different ecosystems. Choices A, B, C, and E involve the movement of elements or compounds on a larger scale and are not localized to a specific area.