Exploring the Nitrogen Cycle in AP Environmental Science

What is the primary difference between nitrogen and carbon reservoirs?

• Carbon reservoirs do not hold carbon at all.

• Nitrogen reservoirs hold nitrogen for a shorter period.

• Carbon reservoirs hold carbon for a shorter period.

• Nitrogen reservoirs hold nitrogen for a longer period.

What is the largest reservoir of nitrogen?

• Atmosphere

• Oceans

• Plants

• Soil

What is the first step in the nitrogen cycle?

• Assimilation

• Nitrification

• Denitrification

• Nitrogen fixation

Which natural process can convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia?

• Evaporation

• Lightning storms

• Respiration

• Photosynthesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle?

• They convert ammonia into nitrite.

• They decompose dead organisms.

• They convert nitrogen gas into biologically usable forms.

• They release nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere.

What is the process called when plants and animals incorporate nitrogen into their bodies?

• Assimilation

• Denitrification

• Ammonification

• Nitrification

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What happens during ammonification?

• Ammonium is converted into nitrite.

• Nitrate is converted back into nitrogen gas.

• Nitrogen gas is converted into ammonia.

• Waste and dead biomass are converted back into ammonia.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

How do humans impact the nitrogen cycle through agriculture?

• By reducing nitrogen levels in the soil.

• By increasing nitrous oxide emissions.

• By decreasing ammonia levels in the atmosphere.

• By preventing nitrogen fixation.

What environmental issue is caused by excess fertilizer leading to ammonia gas entering the atmosphere?

• Global warming

• Acid precipitation

• Deforestation

• Ozone depletion

What is eutrophication?

• The process of nitrogen fixation by bacteria.

• The release of nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere.

• The conversion of ammonia into nitrite.

• The aggressive growth of algae due to excess nitrogen.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4