question_answer

How is phosphorus recycled in the nature?

Or

What do you understand by the following?

(i) Mimicry

(ii) Camouflage?

Answer:

Phosphorus is recycled in nature through phosphorus cycle.

Phosphorus Cycle It is an example of sedimentary nutrient cycle since it moves from land gets sedimented at the bottom of the sea and then comes back to land again.

The natural reservoir of phosphorus is earth's crust. Rock contains phosphorus in the form of phosphates. By weathering and soil erosion, phosphates enter streams, rivers and then to oceans. With great movements of the crustal plates, sea floor is uplifted and phosphates become exposed on the drained land surfaces. From here, weathering over long periods of time releases phosphates.

From rocks, minute amount of these phosphates get dissolved in soil and is absorbed by the roots of the plants.

Herbivores and other animals obtain this element from plants when they consume plants as their food.

Or

(i) Mimicry

This phenomenon is characterised by superficial resemblance of two organisms belonging to separate taxonomic groups.

This mechanism is adapted by an organism for protection against its predators.

The predator depending on the type of mimicry exhibited (appearance, behavioral, sound or scent) by its prey is deceived by and leave it alone, e.g. animals such as flower mantises, plant hopper and caterpillars resemble twigs, bark, leaves or flower to avoid detection by their predators.

(ii) Camouflage

When a species can change its colour or pattern to match its environment in order to blend in and avoid detection by predators. It is also a form of defence mechanism adapted by species. Camouflage depends on several factors, i.e. physical characteristics, behavior of species and predators.

Organisms mark their location, identity and movement using camouflage, e.g. common baron caterpillars found in India often blend into the mango plants and are difficult to identify, Chameleon?s ability to transform its colour similar to its environment.