5/15/24 The Nitrogen Cycle Quiz

What is the primary role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

• They convert nitrogen into ammonium during fixation.

• They produce nitrous oxide gas.

• They absorb nitrogen directly from the atmosphere.

• They use nitrogen to make chlorophyll.

Answer explanation

Bacteria play a primary role in the nitrogen cycle by converting nitrogen into ammonium during fixation.

Which form of nitrogen can plants directly absorb?

• N2

• NH4+

• Nitrates

• NO2-

Answer explanation

Plants can directly absorb nitrates as a form of nitrogen. Nitrates are converted into amino acids and proteins, essential for plant growth.

What is the process called where ammonium is converted into nitrates?

• Denitrification

• Ammonification

• Nitrification

• Assimilation

Answer explanation

The process where ammonium is converted into nitrates is called nitrification, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What percentage of the atmosphere is nitrogen?

• 55%

• 78%

• 21%

• 10%

Answer explanation

The correct percentage of nitrogen in the atmosphere is 78%, making it the most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere.

What happens during the denitrification process?

• Nitrogen is absorbed by plants.

• Nitrogen is converted into ammonium.

• Nitrogen gas is released back into the atmosphere.

• Ammonium is converted into nitrates.

Answer explanation

During denitrification, nitrogen gas is released back into the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Why is nitrogen important to life on Earth?

• It is only used by animals.

• It is used to create water.

• It forms the basis of chlorophyll in plants.

• It is a primary component of oxygen.

Answer explanation

Nitrogen forms the basis of chlorophyll in plants, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis and the production of food for the ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

How have humans altered the nitrogen cycle?

• By removing nitrates from the soil.

• By adding nitrogen to the soil through fertilizers.

• By increasing the production of chlorophyll.

• By reducing the amount of nitrogen in the atmosphere.

Answer explanation

By adding nitrogen to the soil through fertilizers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the role of decomposers in the nitrogen cycle?

• They convert nitrogen gas into ammonia.

• They fix atmospheric nitrogen into organic compounds.

• They break down organic matter, releasing ammonia into the soil.

• They convert ammonia into nitrogen gas.

Answer explanation

Decomposers break down organic matter, releasing ammonia into the soil, which is an essential step in the nitrogen cycle for plants to utilize nitrogen.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Identify the cycle pictured.

• The Water Cycle

• The Carbon Cycle

• The Nitrogen Cycle

• The Phosphorus Cycle

Answer explanation

The cycle pictured is the Nitrogen cycle, involving the movement of nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.