The Carbon/Nitrogen Cycle

Question 0

How does the nitrogen work? (6)

Answer 0

1. Bacteria use nitrogen from the air and convert it into nitrates, which plants can absorb and use
2. Animals get their nitrogen by eating plant proteins and their waste returns nitrogen to the soil
3. Nitrogen is also returned to the soil when animals and plants die, and their bodies are broken down by decomposers
4. Body proteins and the urea are converted into ammonia during decomposition
5. Soil bacteria can change ammonia into nitrates, which can then be re-used by plants
6. Another type of bacteria changes soil nitrates back into gaseous nitrogen, which is released back into the atmosphere to complete the cycle

Question 1

How does the carbon cycle work? (6)

Answer 1

1. Coal and oil goes to manufacturing
2. Through combustion, the factories cause carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
3. Through photosynthesis, it goes to plants which decay and become bacteria in the soil
4. The plants also feed animals which also produce carbon dioxide
5. Animals also decay eventually and become bacteria in the soil
6. The soil bacteria becomes carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, creating a continuous cycle

Question 2

How does the nitrogen work? (6)

Answer 2

1. Bacteria use nitrogen from the air and convert it into nitrates, which plants can absorb and use
2. Animals get their nitrogen by eating plant proteins and their waste returns nitrogen to the soil
3. Nitrogen is also returned to the soil when animals and plants die, and their bodies are broken down by decomposers
4. Body proteins and the urea are converted into ammonia during decomposition
5. Soil bacteria can change ammonia into nitrates, which can then be re-used by plants
6. Another type of bacteria changes soil nitrates back into gaseous nitrogen, which is released back into the atmosphere to complete the cycle