The phosphates remain outside the natural cycle for a long time
When they form compounds with metals
When they are incorporated in bone and teeth
When the bodies of the organisms excrete and decompose
Both (1) & (2)
Phosphates can remain outside the natural cycle for extended periods when they form compounds with metals and when they are incorporated into bone and teeth.
When phosphates form compounds with metals, they can create stable minerals that are less prone to immediate release back into the environment. For example, phosphate minerals such as apatite can form in rocks, sediments, and soil. These minerals can effectively sequester phosphorus over long periods of time, preventing its immediate return to the natural cycle.
Similarly, when phosphates are incorporated into bone and teeth, they become part of the mineralized structures and can persist for extended durations. In bones, hydroxyapatite, a calcium phosphate mineral, provides strength and structure. Tooth enamel also contains hydroxyapatite, making it highly resistant to degradation. While bone and teeth can undergo gradual natural processes like erosion or decay, the incorporation of phosphates in these structures allows them to persist for significant lengths of time.
It's worth noting that although phosphates in bone and teeth can remain outside the natural cycle, they can still be subject to reabsorption and reutilization through biological processes. For example, when bones break down or teeth are shed, the phosphates can be released and potentially recycled by other organisms.
Overall, the formation of stable compounds with metals and incorporation into bone and teeth allow phosphates to remain outside the natural cycle for extended periods, contributing to the long-term storage of phosphorus in different forms.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4.