Carbon and Nitrogen Cycle Flashcard

Front

What percentage of the atmosphere is composed of nitrogen gas?

Back

78%

Front

What is the conversion of organic nitrogen into ammonia called?

Back

Ammonification

Front

Is the total amount of carbon on Earth constant? (True/False)

Back

True

Front

Name two ways that CO2 is released into the atmosphere.

Back

Combustion and decomposition.

Front

What process releases CO2 into the atmosphere during respiration?

Back

Respiration: releasing CO2.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

They break down organic matter, returning nitrogen to the soil.

Front

What is the primary source of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Back

Combustion of fossil fuels.

Front

What is assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The process by which plants absorb nitrogen from the soil.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

The conversion of nitrates back into nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere.