cycles in nature

Question 1

decomposition

NC

Answer 1

protein in dead plants and animals is broken down
ammonia released into soil

decomposing bacteria

Question 2

nitrification

NC

Answer 2

ammonia converted to nitrates

nitrifying bacteria

Question 3

denitrification

NC

Answer 3

nitrates converted to nitrogen gas
reduces amount of nitrate in soil and makes it less fertile

denitrifying bacteria

Question 4

nitrogen fixation

NC

Answer 4

nitrogen gas converted to ammonia in bacteria which is used to make proteins
when bacteria die their proteins decompose releasing ammonia back into soil

nitrogen-fixing bacteria kind in soil and root modules called legumes
convert nitrogen gas from air into ammonia
both bacteria and plants can use this ammonia to make amino acids and therefore proteins