The image depicts the
Nitrogen Cycle, which is a biogeochemical cycle that describes how nitrogen moves through the environment, including the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms. The goal is to identify the processes or components labeled as 1 through 7 in the diagram.
Key Concepts in the Nitrogen Cycle:
1.
Nitrogen Fixation: Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) by certain bacteria.
2.
Nitrification: Conversion of ammonia (NH₃) into nitrite (NO₂⁻) and then into nitrate (NO₃⁻) by nitrifying bacteria.
3.
Assimilation: Uptake of nitrogen compounds (e.g., nitrate, ammonium) by plants and animals for growth.
4.
Ammonification: Breakdown of organic nitrogen-containing compounds (e.g., proteins) into ammonia (NH₃) by decomposers.
5.
Denitrification: Conversion of nitrate (NO₃⁻) back into atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) by denitrifying bacteria.
6.
Decomposition: Breakdown of dead organic matter by decomposers, releasing nutrients back into the soil.
7.
Uptake by Plants: Absorption of nitrogen compounds (e.g., nitrate, ammonium) from the soil by plant roots.
Solution:
Let's analyze each numbered label in the diagram:
#### 1.
Nitrogen in the Air
- This refers to
atmospheric nitrogen (N₂), which is abundant but not directly usable by most organisms. It needs to be "fixed" into a usable form like ammonia (NH₃).
Label 1: Nitrogen fixation
#### 2.
Bacteria in Soil
- These are
nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia (NH₃) into nitrite (NO₂⁻) and then into nitrate (NO₃⁻). This process is called
nitrification.
Label 2: Nitrification
#### 3.
Plant Roots
- Plants absorb
nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) from the soil through their roots. This is part of the
uptake by plants process.
Label 3: Uptake by plants
#### 4.
Flower
- Plants use the absorbed nitrogen to synthesize
proteins and amino acids, which are essential for growth and development.
Label 4: Assimilation
#### 5.
Dead Animal
- When an animal dies, its organic nitrogen-containing compounds (e.g., proteins) are broken down by
decomposers into ammonia (NH₃). This process is called
ammonification.
Label 5: Ammonification
#### 6.
Bacteria in Soil
- Some bacteria in the soil can convert nitrate (NO₃⁻) back into atmospheric nitrogen (N₂). This process is called
denitrification.
Label 6: Denitrification
#### 7.
Bacteria in Root Nodules
- Certain bacteria (e.g., Rhizobium) live in the root nodules of legumes and convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃). This is another form of
nitrogen fixation.
Label 7: Nitrogen fixation
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{
1: \text{Nitrogen fixation}, \,
2: \text{Nitrification}, \,
3: \text{Uptake by plants}, \,
4: \text{Assimilation}, \,
5: \text{Ammonification}, \,
6: \text{Denitrification}, \,
7: \text{Nitrogen fixation}
}
\]
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of nitrogen cycle diagram worksheet.