Question

Given below are two statements regarding carbon and phosphorus cycles.
Statement (I): Atmospheric inputs of phosphorus through rainfall are much smaller than carbon inputs.
Statement (II): Exchange of phosphorus between organisms and the environment is huge as compared to carbon.
In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

• A. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are correct.
• B. Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are incorrect.
• C. Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.
• D. Statement (I) is incorrect but Statement (II) is correct.

Hint:

Phosphorus has no gaseous form and little rainfall input. Compare how much it is exchanged with carbon.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Carbon cycles through the atmosphere as \(\text{CO}_2\), but phosphorus has no significant gaseous form.

Step 2: Statement I
Carbon enters ecosystems in large amounts from the atmosphere, while rainfall brings in very little phosphorus. So statement I is correct.

Step 3: Statement II
The exchange of phosphorus between organisms and the environment is much smaller than that of carbon. So statement II is incorrect.

Final Answer:
Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Statement (I) is correct but Statement (II) is incorrect.}} \]