Nitrogen Cycle

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including nitrogen gas, ammonia, nitrates, and organic nitrogen, in the environment.

Front

How do animals get the nitrogen they need?

Back

Animals get the nitrogen they need from the food they eat.

Front

What converts nitrogen gas into a usable form for plants and animals?

Back

Bacteria convert nitrogen gas into a usable form for plants and animals.

Front

What is the chemical formula for gaseous nitrogen?

Back

The chemical formula for gaseous nitrogen is N₂.

Front

What do plants absorb from the soil?

Back

Plants absorb nitrates from the soil.

Front

What gas makes up 78% of our atmosphere?

Back

Nitrogen makes up 78% of our atmosphere.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Decomposers break down organic matter, returning nitrogen to the soil in the form of ammonia.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting nitrogen gas (N₂) from the atmosphere into ammonia (NH₃) or related compounds in soil.

Front

What are nitrates?

Back

Nitrates are compounds that contain nitrogen and oxygen, and they are a form of nitrogen that plants can absorb.

Front

What is the role of legumes in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Legumes host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules, which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants.