Nitrogen is often in short supply in terrestrial ecosystems because
A) there is very little free nitrogen in the air.
B) atmospheric nitrogen exists primarily in the stratosphere and does not come into contact with terrestrial ecosystems.
C) atmospheric nitrogen cannot be used by most organisms.
D) nitrogen solubility in water is very low, and therefore aquatic nitrogen enters cells very slowly.
E) atmospheric nitrogen varies widely from location to location, and local shortages occur frequently.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Most organisms cannot directly use atmospheric nitrogen (N2) because it is inert and must be converted into a usable form through processes like nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen Is Often in Short Supply in Terrestrial Ecosystems Because