Question

Zara explains to Asher how nitrogen moves in the nitrogen cycle. Which sentences should she use in her explanation? Select all that apply.

A. Should Zara use the sentence ‘Bacteria fix nitrogen from the atmosphere’ in her explanation?
a) Yes
b) No

B. Should Zara use the sentence ‘Ammonia is converted from nitrate into nitrogen’ in her explanation?
a) Yes
b) No

C. Should Zara use the sentence ‘Nitrogen in the atmosphere is available to plants’ in her explanation?
a) Yes
b) No

D. Should Zara use the sentence ‘Animals use atmospheric nitrogen when they breathe air’ in her explanation?
a) Yes
b) No

E. Should Zara use the sentence ‘Ammonia is converted to nitrites before it is converted to nitrates’ in her explanation?
a) Yes
b) No

Answer 1

In the explanation of the nitrogen cycle, Zara should state that 'Bacteria fix nitrogen from the atmosphere' and 'Ammonia is converted to nitrites before it is converted to nitrates,' but she should not use the sentences about ammonia's conversion from nitrate, plants' direct use of atmospheric nitrogen, or animals using atmospheric nitrogen when they breathe.

Step-by-step explanation:

When explaining the nitrogen cycle, Zara should use accurate statements to depict the process accurately.

• A. Yes, Zara should say 'Bacteria fix nitrogen from the atmosphere.' This is a correct statement because nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into forms that plants can use, such as ammonia (NH₃) or related nitrogenous compounds in soil.
• B. No, the sentence 'Ammonia is converted from nitrate into nitrogen' is incorrect. In the nitrogen cycle, nitrification converts ammonia (NH₃) into nitrite (NO₂-) and then into nitrate (NO₃-), not the other way around.
• C. No, nitrogen in the atmosphere is not directly available to most plants. Atmospheric nitrogen must first be fixed by bacteria before it can be absorbed by plants.
• D. No, animals cannot use atmospheric nitrogen when they breathe. Instead, animals obtain their nitrogen by consuming plants or other animals.
• E. Yes, ammonia is first converted to nitrites and then to nitrates. This is known as the nitrification process and is carried out by specific nitrifying bacteria.