The Nitrogen Cycle

Question 1

Possible steps in a water cycle where water leaves an ocean, moves to land,
and then returns to an ocean.

Answer 1

Water evaporates from the ocean → clouds form→ precipitation moves water back onto land →
water runoff leads back to ocean

Question 2

3 steps in the nitrogen cycle

Answer 2

1. Nitrogen Fixing
2. Nitrification
3. Denitrification

Question 3

What is nitrogen fixing?

Answer 3

Changes nitrogen gas (N2) to
ammonia (NH3)

Question 4

What is nitrification?

Answer 4

Changes ammonia (NH3) to
nitrites (NO2) and nitrates (NO3)

Question 5

What is denitrification?

Answer 5

Changes nitrates (NO3) to
nitrogen gas (N2)

Question 6

Where do plants get nitrogen from?

Answer 6

Ammonia

Question 7

Where do animals get nitrogen from?

Answer 7

Eating plants or other animals

Question 8

3 parts of the Water cycle

Answer 8

1. Transpiration (water vapour from trees)
2. Evaporation (water vapour from a body of water)
3. Respiration (water vapour from breathing)

Question 9

From who is the nitrogen gas not usable by?

Answer 9

Living organisms

Question 10

What form should nitrogen gas be converted into to make it usable?

Answer 10

Nitrate (through the process of nitrogen fixing)

Question 11

Which 2 spheres is the Nitrogen cycle a part of?

Answer 11

Lithosphere and Atmosphere

Question 12

How does nitrogen fixation occur in Atmosphere?

Answer 12

Lightning: Energy causes nitrogen gas to react with oxygen producing nitrates

Question 13

How does nitrogen fixation occur in Lithosphere?

Answer 13

Bacteria: Found in soil or nodules on roots of legumes which is broken down that is then converted into nitrates.

Question 14

Why is nitrogen important to organisms?

Answer 14

Nitrogen is required for protein synthesis and DNA production (your genetic information).

Question 15

Abiotic factors that affect the water cycle

Answer 15

1. Amount of sunlight
2. Wind currents in region
3. Temperature / climate of a region