Question

Choose the statement about nitrogen and nitrogen fixation that is false. When an animal dies, microorganisms convert the nitrogen in its proteins and muscles into a form that plants can eat. The roots of certain plants contain microorganisms that absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere and pass it on to animals. Nitrogen makes up about 22

1) When an animal dies, microorganisms convert the nitrogen in its proteins and muscles into a form that plants can eat.
2) The roots of certain plants contain microorganisms that absorb nitrogen from the atmosphere and pass it on to animals.
3) Nitrogen makes up about 22% of the Earth's atmosphere.
4) None of the above

Answer 1

The false statement about nitrogen is that it makes up about 22% of the Earth's atmosphere, while it actually makes up approximately 78%. The other statements about nitrogen fixation and its role in the nitrogen cycle are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The false statement about nitrogen and nitrogen fixation among the presented options is that nitrogen makes up about 22% of the Earth's atmosphere. In reality, nitrogen makes up approximately 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. The rest of the statements are correct. When an animal dies, microorganisms indeed convert the nitrogen in its proteins and muscles into a form that plants can use. This process is known as ammonification. The roots of certain plants, particularly legumes, have a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that absorb atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and convert it into ammonia (NH3), which can then be used to synthesize organic compounds like amino acids within the plant. These compounds can subsequently be passed on to animals when they consume the plants.