Nitrogen Cycle Review

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

How do animals get the nitrogen they need?

Back

Animals obtain nitrogen from the food they eat.

Front

What is nitrogen fixation?

Back

Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into a usable form for plants, primarily through the action of bacteria and lightning.

Front

What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Bacteria are essential for nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, and for nitrification, converting ammonia into nitrates.

Front

What is the significance of nitrates in the nitrogen cycle?

Back

Nitrates are a form of nitrogen that plants can absorb and use for growth.

Front

What happens to nitrogen in the soil after plants die?

Back

When plants die, nitrogen is returned to the soil through decomposition, where it can be reused by other plants.

Front

What is denitrification?

Back

Denitrification is the process by which bacteria convert nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen, completing the nitrogen cycle.

Front

Do all plants have nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their roots?

Back

False. Not all plants have nitrogen-fixing bacteria; only certain plants, like legumes, have symbiotic relationships with these bacteria.

Front

Which level of the food chain contains the most nitrogen?

Back

Producers contain the largest amount of nitrogen, as they absorb it directly from the soil.

Front

What is the primary source of nitrogen in the atmosphere?

Back

The primary source of nitrogen in the atmosphere is nitrogen gas (N2), which makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere.