AP BIOLOGY

ECOLOGY

CHEMICAL CYCLES

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
During which phase of the nitrogen cycle is nitrogen gas returned to the atmosphere?
A
Ammonification
B
Nitrogen fixation
C
Nitrification
D
Denitrification
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Denitrification. Denitrification is the process in which the nitrogen compounds make their way back into the atmosphere by converting nitrate (NO3-) into gaseous nitrogen (N). This process of the nitrogen cycle is the final stage and occurs in the absence of oxygen.

Detailed explanation-2: -Stage 5: Denitrification In the fifth stage of the nitrogen cycle, nitrogen returns to the air as nitrates are converted to atmospheric nitrogen (N2) by bacteria through the process we call denitrification.

Detailed explanation-3: -Denitrification is the final step in the nitrogen cycle. It happens when certain types of bacteria take in nitrate and convert it back to nitrogen gas. Then, the nitrogen gas is released into the air. Unlike nitrification, this process is anaerobic.

Detailed explanation-4: -Denitrifying bacteria convert the nitrate back into nitrogen gas, which reenters the atmosphere. Nitrogen from runoff and fertilizers enters the ocean, where it enters marine food webs. Some organic nitrogen falls to the ocean floor as sediment.

Detailed explanation-5: -Denitrification completes the nitrogen cycle by converting nitrate (NO3-) back to gaseous nitrogen (N2). Denitrifying bacteria are the agents of this process. These bacteria use nitrate instead of oxygen when obtaining energy, releasing nitrogen gas to the atmosphere.

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