Question

Which of the following statements correctly identifies ways nutrients are lost from ecosystems?

1. Nutrients can be lost from ecosystems through leaching.
2. Wind and water erosion contribute to nutrient loss.
3. Trace gas emission is not a known mechanism for nutrient loss.
4. Harvesting materials from an ecosystem leads to nutrient removal.

• A. None of these
• B. ii, iv
• C. i, ii, iv
• D. All

Answer 1

Answer:

C. i, ii, iv

• Nutrients are lost from ecosystems by leaching, tracegas emission, wind and water erosion, fire, and the removal of materials in harvest.

• Most of the nitrogen and phosphorus required for plant growth in unmanaged ecosystems is supplied by the decomposition of plant litter and soil organic matter.