Biogeochemical cycles in an ecosystem
Watch the video below and ANSWER the questions.
Questions:
1. Explain why bacteria are the most important part of the nitrogen cycle.
2. If nearly 79% of the atmosphere is made of nitrogen, how could there be a shortage of nitrogen in soil?
3. How do animals obtain usable nitrogen? Why is it important?
4. Give the two ways nitrogen can be fixated so plants can use it to grow.
5. Explain the problem if too much nitrogen enters an aquatic ecosystem.
Explain the statement “Nutrients do not flow in one direction in the ecosystem, they recycle through the ecosystem.”
Questions:
1. Explain why bacteria are the most important part of the nitrogen cycle.
2. If nearly 79% of the atmosphere is made of nitrogen, how could there be a shortage of nitrogen in soil?
3. How do animals obtain usable nitrogen? Why is it important?
4. Give the two ways nitrogen can be fixated so plants can use it to grow.
5. Explain the problem if too much nitrogen enters an aquatic ecosystem.
Explain the statement “Nutrients do not flow in one direction in the ecosystem, they recycle through the ecosystem.”
The nitrogen cycle describes how nitrogen moves between plants, animals, bacteria, the atmosphere (the air), and soil in the ground. Nitrogen is an important element to all life on Earth.
Different Nitrogen States
For Nitrogen to be used by different life forms on Earth, it must change into different states. Nitrogen in the atmosphere, or air, is N2. Other important states of nitrogen include Nitrates (N03), Nitrites (NO2), and Ammonium (NH4).
Nitrogen Cycle
This picture shows the flow of the nitrogen cycle. The most important part of the cycle is bacteria. Bacteria help the nitrogen change between states so it can be used. When nitrogen is absorbed by the soil, different bacteria help it to change states so it can be absorbed by plants. Animals then get their nitrogen from the plants.
Different Nitrogen States
For Nitrogen to be used by different life forms on Earth, it must change into different states. Nitrogen in the atmosphere, or air, is N2. Other important states of nitrogen include Nitrates (N03), Nitrites (NO2), and Ammonium (NH4).
Nitrogen Cycle
This picture shows the flow of the nitrogen cycle. The most important part of the cycle is bacteria. Bacteria help the nitrogen change between states so it can be used. When nitrogen is absorbed by the soil, different bacteria help it to change states so it can be absorbed by plants. Animals then get their nitrogen from the plants.