Which of the following is NOT a state that the phosphorus cycle moves through?

The phosphorus cycle involves several key states: particulate organic phosphorus, dissolved organic phosphates, and inorganic phosphates. Each of these states plays a crucial role in the way phosphorus transitions through different forms and is utilized in ecosystems.

Particulate organic phosphorus consists of phosphorus contained within organic matter, such as plant or microbial biomass. Dissolved organic phosphates are those phosphorus compounds that are soluble in water and can be utilized by organisms directly from the aquatic environment. Inorganic phosphates refer to phosphorus in mineral forms that plants can absorb from the soil, making them essential for plant growth.

In contrast, gaseous phosphates do not exist as a significant form in the phosphorus cycle. Unlike nitrogen or carbon cycles, which feature gaseous states due to the presence of nitrogen gas or carbon dioxide, the phosphorus cycle does not include a gaseous phase. Phosphorus remains primarily within soil, water, and organisms and does not readily form gaseous compounds under normal environmental conditions. Therefore, the correct answer indicates that "gaseous phosphates" is not a state in the phosphorus cycle.