Nitrogen Cycle Quiz

Imagine you are a farmer in a temperate region, observing your crops. Considering the environmental conditions, which factors might influence the rate of nitrogen fixation in the soil of your farm?

• Temperature and pH

• Light intensity and humidity

• Wind speed and precipitation

• Soil color and texture

In a rice paddy field, which organisms are essential for converting nitrates back into nitrogen gas, thereby completing the nitrogen cycle?

• Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

• Decomposer bacteria

• Photosynthetic algae

• Mycorrhizal fungi

Consider a large-scale farming operation, such as those found in the Midwest, where extensive use of fertilizers is common. How might such agricultural practices impact the nitrogen cycle?

• Increased nitrogen fixation

• Enhanced denitrification

• Soil nitrogen depletion

• Accelerated ammonification

In a wastewater treatment plant, during the process of converting harmful ammonia from the water into less harmful substances, what specific compounds are formed from ammonia?

• Nitrites and nitrates

• Ammonium ions and nitrites

• Nitrogen gas and ammonia

• Nitrites and nitrogen gas

In a farmer's field, how does the nitrogen cycle ensure that crops receive the nutrients they need to grow?

• By releasing nitrogen gas into the atmosphere

• By converting atmospheric nitrogen into organic forms usable by plants

• By promoting soil erosion

• By decreasing soil pH

How do the operations of a large-scale agricultural farm contribute to an increase in reactive nitrogen compounds in the environment?

• By significantly reducing the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers

• By cutting down on emissions from industrial processes on the farm

• By increasing the use of machinery that burns fossil fuels

• By implementing large-scale afforestation projects on farm land

How do soybean plants contribute to the nitrogen cycle in agricultural fields?

• They fix nitrogen gas into the soil

• They assimilate nitrogen compounds

• They enhance denitrification

• They inhibit ammonification

In a farm's soil ecosystem, how does the nitrogen cycle contribute to the formation of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas?

• Through nitrification

• Through nitrogen fixation

• Through assimilation

• Through ammonification

In a farm, why is nitrogen-rich fertilizer important for the growth of crops like soybeans and corn, specifically for the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids in these plants?

• Nitrogen enhances photosynthesis in the crops

• Nitrogen is a precursor for amino acids in the plants

• Nitrogen regulates cellular respiration in the crops

• Nitrogen promotes osmosis in the plants

In a forest ecosystem, how do decomposers like fungi and bacteria help in recycling nitrogen?

• Decomposers release nitrogen gas directly into the atmosphere

• Decomposers convert atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia

• Decomposers break down dead leaves and animal remains, releasing nitrogen compounds into the soil

• Decomposers prevent the process of denitrification