Which statement about the nitrogen cycle is true?
A) The nitrogen cycle requires different types of bacteria.
B) Nitrogen gas is converted to nitrates in plant leaves.
C) Nitrogen cannot be cycled through living organisms.
D) When plants and animals die, nitrogen is removed from the nitrogen cycle.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nitrogen cycle involves different types of bacteria that perform different roles in converting nitrogen between different forms that can be used by plants and other organisms.

Answer: B is incorrect because nitrogen gas is converted to nitrates through nitrogen fixation, a process that is carried out by certain types of bacteria in the soil.

Answer: C is incorrect because nitrogen is an essential element for living organisms and is continuously cycled between the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms through processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

Answer: D is incorrect because when plants and animals die, nitrogen in their tissues is broken down by decomposers and returned to the soil where it can be used by other organisms in the nitrogen cycle.

Which Statement About the Nitrogen Cycle Is True