Question

the following diagram describes the nitrogen cycle. arrow ii shows nitrogen changing form from ammonia to nitrites. lightning n₂ i producers consumers iv denitrifying microorganisms decomposers roots iii assimilation nitrogen - fixing microorganisms no₃⁻ nh₄⁺ nh₃ no₂⁻ ii which process is represented by arrow ii? choose 1 answer: a ammonification b nitrogen fixation c nitrification d denitrification diagram credit

Explanation:

To determine the process of Arrow II, we analyze each option:

• Option A (ammonification): Involves converting organic nitrogen to ammonia, not ammonia to nitrites. Eliminate.
• Option B (nitrogen fixation): Converts atmospheric \(N_2\) to ammonia or other nitrogen compounds, not ammonia to nitrites. Eliminate.
• Option C (nitrification): Is the process where ammonia (\(NH_3\)) is oxidized to nitrites (\(NO_2^-\)) and then to nitrates (\(NO_3^-\)). Arrow II shows ammonia to nitrites, matching nitrification.
• Option D (denitrification): Converts nitrates to atmospheric \(N_2\), opposite of Arrow II. Eliminate.

Answer:

C. nitrification