Question

Identify the stage of the nitrogen cycle of the statement below:

Ammonium (NH4) is introduced into the water via tropical fish waste, uneaten food, and decomposition. It will break down into ammonia (NH3).
A. Nitrogen Fixation
B. Nitrification
C. Ammonification
D. Denitrification

Answer 1

The process being described, where ammonium is converted into ammonia, is known as ammonification, and it is part of the nitrogen cycle. Therefore, the answer to the question is C. Ammonification.

Step-by-step explanation:

The stage of the nitrogen cycle described in the statement, where ammonium (NH4) breaks down into ammonia (NH3), occurs during the process of ammonification.

In the nitrogen cycle, the correct sequence is: nitrogen fixation, where atmospheric nitrogen is converted into ammonia (NH3); ammonification, where nitrogenous waste from animals or dead organisms is converted into ammonium ion (NH4+); nitrification, where ammonium is oxidized to nitrate (NO3-) through nitrite (NO2-); and denitrification, where nitrates are reduced to nitrogen gas (N2), returning it to the atmosphere. In this specific case, the correct answer to the provided question is C. Ammonification.