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3. How do aquatic and land-dwelling organisms obtain the nitrogen they need for growth and development?

O
from consuming plants and animals
from cellular respiration
from the Sun's energy through photosynthesis
from emissions from cars

User Ivica
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Final answer:

Aquatic organisms obtain nitrogen from nitrate ions in the water, while land-dwelling organisms rely on the nitrogen cycle and obtain nitrogen through the consumption of plants or other animals.


Step-by-step explanation:

Aquatic and land-dwelling organisms obtain the nitrogen they need for growth and development through different processes.

In aquatic environments, nitrogen is mainly obtained from nitrate ions (NO3-) present in the water. Aquatic plants, such as algae, and some bacteria can directly absorb nitrate ions from the water and incorporate them into their tissues.

On the other hand, land-dwelling organisms rely on the nitrogen cycle. Nitrogen gas (N2) makes up a significant portion of the Earth's atmosphere, but it is not readily usable by most organisms. Certain bacteria, known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, convert nitrogen gas into ammonia (NH3) through a process called nitrogen fixation. This ammonia can then be converted into other nitrogen compounds, such as nitrates and nitrites, by other bacteria. From there, plants can absorb these nitrogen compounds from the soil and incorporate them into their tissues. Land-dwelling animals obtain nitrogen indirectly by consuming plants or other animals that have already incorporated nitrogen into their tissues.


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User PleasantD
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