Nitrogen Cycle

Question 1

What is the nitrogen cycle?

Answer 1

The nitrogen cycle transforms and circulates nitrogen in various forms through Earth’s spheres

Question 2

Atmospheric nitrogen fixation

Answer 2

Lightning strikes generate enough energy to separate nitrogen gas (N2) into nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

Question 3

Nitric Acid

Question 4

Assimilation

Question 5

Consumption

Answer 5

Animals acquire organic nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals

Question 6

Ammonification

Answer 6

Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down nitrogen compounds found in dead organisms and other organic matter

Question 7

Volcanic eruptions

Answer 7

Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down nitrogen compounds found in dead organisms and other organic matter

Question 8

Dentrificatioin

Answer 8

Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down nitrogen compounds found in dead organisms and other organic matter

Question 9

Nitrogen fixation by bacteria

Answer 9

Atmospheric N2 is converted into ammonia or ammonium ions by nitrogen-fixing bacteria found in the soil

Question 10

Nitrification

Answer 10

Ammonia (from nitrogen fixation) is converted to nitrite ions by nitrifying bacteria

Question 11

Deforestation and fires