The correct answer is D. Phosphorus.
A biogeochemical cycle is a pathway by which a chemical element or molecule moves through both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of an ecosystem. The major biogeochemical cycles include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosphorus cycle, and sulfur cycle.
The carbon cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth. Carbon is the main component of biological compounds as well as a major component of many minerals such as limestone. Along with the nitrogen cycle and the water cycle, the carbon cycle comprises a sequence of events that are key to making Earth capable of sustaining life.
The nitrogen cycle is the biogeochemical cycle by which nitrogen is converted into various forms. The nitrogen cycle is essential for life because plants cannot use atmospheric nitrogen as a nutrient. Instead, they need nitrogen in a form that they can absorb, such as nitrates or ammonium.
The phosphorus cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Phosphorus is the main component of bones and teeth and is also found in many proteins and nucleic acids. It is an essential nutrient for all life.
The sulfur cycle is the biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of sulfur through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Sulfur is an essential nutrient for all life and is found in proteins, amino acids, and vitamins. It is also found in many minerals, such as gypsum and sulfur.
The phosphorus cycle is not a gaseous biogeochemical cycle because phosphorus does not exist as a gas in the atmosphere. Instead, phosphorus is found in rocks and minerals. When these rocks and minerals are weathered, phosphorus is released into the soil. Plants absorb phosphorus from the soil and use it to build their tissues. Animals eat plants and get phosphorus from their diet. When animals die, their bodies decompose and release phosphorus back into the soil. Phosphorus can also be lost from the soil through erosion and runoff.