Question

In which of the following, both pairs have the correct combination?
A. Gaseous Nutrient cycle: Sulphur and phosphorus, Sedimentary Nutrient cycle- Carbon and nitrogen
B. Gaseous Nutrient cycle-Sulphur and phosphorus, Sedimentary Nutrient cycle-Carbon and Sulphur
C. Gaseous Nutrient cycle-Carbon and Sulphur, Sedimentary Nutrient cycle-Nitrogen and Sulphur
D. Gaseous Nutrient cycle-Carbon and Nitrogen, Sedimentary Nutrient cycle-Sulphur and phosphorus

Answer 1

Hint: The movement of nutrient elements through the various components of an ecosystem is called nutrient cycling. Nutrient cycles are also named as biogeochemical cycles. They are of two types either gaseous or sedimentary.
The reservoir for gaseous cycle exists in the atmosphere. Ex. carbon and nitrogen cycles.
The reservoir for sedimentary cycles is located in the earth's crust. Ex. Sulphur and phosphorus cycle.

Complete explanation:
As we can see above in the example, neither carbon and nitrogen cycle are sedimentary nor Sulphur and phosphorus cycle are gaseous.
So, option (a) is incorrect.
We now know that the Sulphur and phosphorus cycle are not gaseous.
Hence, option (b) is incorrect.
Neither the Sulphur cycle is gaseous nor the nitrogen cycle is sedimentary.
So, option (c) is incorrect.
This shows the correct pair of gaseous cycles with their examples.
Option (d) is correct.

So, the correct answer is option (d).

Note:
Gaseous cycle involves the cyclic exchange of minerals between atmospheric and biotic components while the sedimentary cycle involves the exchange of minerals from the earth’s crust or lithosphere with the biotic components of the ecosystem.