Question

1. if the number of nitrifying bacteria decreased what effect would this have on the nitrogen cycle and what type of compounds would accumulate as a result?

Explanation:

Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonia to nitrites and then to nitrates. A decrease would slow the conversion. Ammonia - containing compounds would accumulate as the bacteria are less able to oxidize ammonia.

Answer:

The nitrogen cycle would slow down, and ammonia - containing compounds would accumulate.