The phosphorus cycle differs from the carbon cycle in that: A. there is little or no human impact on the phosphorus cycle. B. phosphorus is not a critical component of living organisms. C. plants play a role in the carbon cycle, but have no role in the phosphorus cycle. D. the atmosphere does not contribute to the phosphorus cycle. E. the hydrosphere plays a role in the phosphorus cycle.

 D. the atmosphere does not contribute to the phosphorus cycle.

Explanation:

The phosphorus cycle is different as compared to the carbon, water and nitrogen cycle as the phosphorus element cannot be found in the gaseous state as a result of this the phosphorus cannot be found in the earth atmosphere. The phosphorus can be found in the sedimentary mineral rocks. The weathering process of the sedimentary mineral rocks provides the inorganic phosphorus to the plants. This way the phosphorus cycle begins with the food chain.

Carbon in the form of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other gases can be found in the atmosphere.