Question

directions: define the terms in the table below. term definition directions: color in the features in the nitrogen cycle diagram. use the word bank to label the diagram. word bank: ammonium (nh4+), assimilation, atmospheric nitrogen (n2), decomposers, denitrifying bacteria, lightning fixation, nitrates (no3-), nitrifying bacteria, nitrites (no2-), nitrogen - fixing bacteria, ammonification, decomposition, nitrification

Explanation:

• Nitrogen - fixing bacteria: Bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) into ammonia ($NH_3$) or other nitrogen - containing compounds usable by plants.
• Nitrites ($NO_2^-$): An intermediate in the nitrogen cycle, formed during the oxidation of ammonia by certain bacteria.
• Nitrifying bacteria: Bacteria that convert ammonia into nitrites and then into nitrates ($NO_3^-$).
• Nitrates ($NO_3^-$): A form of nitrogen that is highly soluble and easily taken up by plants for growth.
• Lightning fixation: The process by which lightning provides enough energy to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen oxides, which then dissolve in rain and form nitrates.
• Denitrifying bacteria: Bacteria that convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas ($N_2$), returning it to the atmosphere.
• Decomposers: Organisms (such as bacteria and fungi) that break down dead organic matter, releasing nitrogen - containing compounds back into the soil.
• Atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$): The most abundant form of nitrogen in the atmosphere, but in a form that most organisms cannot use directly.
• Assimilation: The process by which plants and animals incorporate nitrogen - containing compounds into their tissues.
• Ammonium ($NH_4^+$): A form of nitrogen produced during the decomposition of organic matter and can be taken up by plants.
• Ammonification: The process by which decomposers convert organic nitrogen into ammonium.
• Nitrification: The two - step process of converting ammonium into nitrites and then into nitrates by nitrifying bacteria.
• Denitrification: The reduction of nitrates to nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria, completing the nitrogen cycle.

Answer:

• Nitrogen - fixing bacteria: Bacteria converting atmospheric nitrogen to usable forms for plants.
• Nitrites ($NO_2^-$): Intermediate in ammonia oxidation.
• Nitrifying bacteria: Bacteria oxidizing ammonia to nitrites and nitrates.
• Nitrates ($NO_3^-$): Soluble nitrogen form for plant uptake.
• Lightning fixation: Nitrogen conversion by lightning energy.
• Denitrifying bacteria: Bacteria converting nitrates to $N_2$.
• Decomposers: Organisms breaking down dead matter for nitrogen release.
• Atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$): Abundant but unusable form in atmosphere.
• Assimilation: Incorporation of nitrogen compounds into tissues.
• Ammonium ($NH_4^+$): Nitrogen form from organic matter decomposition.
• Ammonification: Conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonium by decomposers.
• Nitrification: Two - step conversion of ammonium to nitrites and nitrates.
• Denitrification: Reduction of nitrates to $N_2$ by bacteria.