Nitrogen Cycle Practice Flashcard

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including atmospheric nitrogen, organic nitrogen, and inorganic nitrogen, through biological and physical processes.

Front

What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria convert nitrogen gas from the atmosphere into ammonia through a process called nitrogen fixation, making it usable for plants.

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 is denitrification?

Back

Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates (NO3) back into nitrogen gas (N2), releasing it into the atmosphere.

Front

What is the role of plants in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Plants absorb nitrogen in the form of nitrates and ammonia from the soil, which they use to grow and produce proteins.

Front

What is ammonification?

Back

Ammonification is the process by which organic nitrogen from dead plants and animals is converted into ammonia by decomposer organisms.

Front

What is nitrification?

Back

Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites (NO2) and then into nitrates (NO3) by nitrifying bacteria.

Front

How does lightning contribute to the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Lightning converts atmospheric nitrogen gas into nitrogen oxides, which can then be deposited into the soil through rain.

Front

What is primary succession?

Back

Primary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as after a volcanic eruption.

Front

What is secondary succession?

Back

Secondary succession is the process of ecological change that occurs in an area where a disturbance has destroyed an existing community but left the soil intact.