Biogeochemical Cycles

Front

What is precipitation in the context of the water cycle?

Back

Precipitation is the process by which water falls back to Earth in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Front

Why do humans need nitrogen?

Back

Humans need nitrogen to build DNA and proteins.

Front

What form of nitrogen is commonly found in animal waste and decomposing materials?

Back

Ammonia is the form of nitrogen commonly found in animal waste and decomposing materials.

Front

What is the largest reservoir of nitrogen on Earth?

Back

The atmosphere is the largest reservoir of nitrogen.

Front

How do plants obtain nitrogen?

Back

Plants obtain nitrogen primarily from the soil.

Front

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Back

The nitrogen cycle is the process by which nitrogen is converted between its various chemical forms, including fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

Front

What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, converting ammonia to nitrates, and denitrifying nitrates back to nitrogen gas.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a form usable by living organisms, such as ammonia.

Front

What is nitrification?

Back

Nitrification is the process by which ammonia is converted into nitrites and then into nitrates by bacteria.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

Denitrification is the process by which nitrates are converted back into nitrogen gas (N2), returning nitrogen to the atmosphere.