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This is called the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrogen is an inert gas and does not form compounds very easily, but it is a vital component in proteins needed for life on Earth. It is made to form compounds in two ways :-

  1. Using the energy on the inside of lightning strikes
  2. Using specialist bacteria called nitrogen fixing bacteria that are to be found in association with the roots of (particularly) leguminous plants.
Once in a compound form life can absorb and use it to make proteins and it becomes part of the biosphere passing from one organism to the next as part of the food chain. In certain instances vast of nitrogen rich deposits can form as birds or bats make mound of their droppings (guano).

Eventually however the organic compounds containing the nitrogen are broken down by decomposer organisms and the nitrogen get released again as an atmospheric gas.

In recent time humans have learned how to make nitrogen fertilizers, taking nitrogen out of the air and making compounds out of it using the energy of fossil fuels to do this. This unnatural excess of nitrogen added into the nitrogen cycle can and does upset the environment and is responsible for algal blooms in lakes etc.

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What is the role of consumers in the nitrogen cycle?

Consumers play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by facilitating the transfer of nitrogen through ecosystems. They obtain nitrogen by consuming plants (producers) that have absorbed nitrogen in forms like nitrates. When consumers excrete waste or die, their organic matter decomposes, releasing nitrogen back into the soil as ammonia, which can then be converted back into usable forms by bacteria. This process helps maintain the balance of nitrogen in the environment, supporting plant growth and overall ecosystem health.


What are the diff cycles of matter?

The three main cycles of matter are the water cycle, carbon cycle, and nitrogen cycle. The water cycle involves the movement of water through the atmosphere, land, and oceans. The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, soil, plants, and animals. The nitrogen cycle involves the movement of nitrogen through the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.


Why are producers important to the nitrogen cycle?

Producers, like plants, are important to the nitrogen cycle because they are able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by living organisms. Through nitrogen fixation, producers play a key role in making nitrogen available for other organisms in the ecosystem.


Is 21 percent of the earth's atmosphere nitrogen?

No, 21% of Earth's atmosphere is oxygen. Nitrogen makes up 78%.


What organisms return nitrogen back into the air?

The organisms that are involved in the movement of nitrogen between the air and soil and back to the air are plants and bacteria. When plants decompose they release nitrogen and bacteria fixes nitrogen back into the air.

Related Questions

Where can you find the nutrients used by the producers and consumers?

the nutrients used by consumers are:CarbohydratesProteinsFatsVitaminsMineralsCalciumIronThe producers use minerals from the soils like nitrogen etc.....


What is producers and consumers?

Producers are organisms that make their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) consumers are organisms that eat producers or other consumers and decomposers are organisms that return the dead organisms to their primary components such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide


How do consumers obtain nitrogen?

Consumers obtain nitrogen through the food they eat, as nitrogen is an essential component of proteins. Inorganic nitrogen can also be found in the air we breathe, but our bodies cannot use this form directly.


What are 2 producers consumers and decompose-rs in the ocean?

Producers are organisms that make their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) consumers are organisms that eat producers or other consumers and decomposers are organisms that return the dead organisms to their primary components such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide


What is producers and decomposers?

Producers are organisms that make their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) consumers are organisms that eat producers or other consumers and decomposers are organisms that return the dead organisms to their primary components such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide


Why is nitrogen fixation important to producers and consumers?

Nitrogen fixation is crucial because it converts atmospheric nitrogen, which is inaccessible to most organisms, into ammonia or related compounds that plants can use to synthesize proteins and nucleic acids. This process supports primary producers, such as plants and certain algae, enabling them to grow and thrive. Consumers, including herbivores and subsequently carnivores, rely on these producers for food, making nitrogen fixation essential for the entire food web. Without it, ecosystems would struggle to support life due to nitrogen deficiency.


What is consumer and decompose?

Producers are organisms that make their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) consumers are organisms that eat producers or other consumers and decomposers are organisms that return the dead organisms to their primary components such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide


Compare the nitrogen carbon and oxygen cycles.?

The nitrogen cycle involves the movement of nitrogen between the atmosphere, living organisms, and the soil. The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, living organisms, oceans, and the Earth's crust. The oxygen cycle involves the movement of oxygen between the atmosphere, living organisms, and the oceans through processes such as photosynthesis and respiration.


What is the role of consumers in the nitrogen cycle?

Consumers play a crucial role in the nitrogen cycle by facilitating the transfer of nitrogen through ecosystems. They obtain nitrogen by consuming plants (producers) that have absorbed nitrogen in forms like nitrates. When consumers excrete waste or die, their organic matter decomposes, releasing nitrogen back into the soil as ammonia, which can then be converted back into usable forms by bacteria. This process helps maintain the balance of nitrogen in the environment, supporting plant growth and overall ecosystem health.


What are the answers to 3.4 cycles of matter?

The water cycle involves the movement of water between the atmosphere, land, and oceans. The carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, and living organisms. The nitrogen cycle involves the movement of nitrogen between the atmosphere, soil, and living organisms.


How is Nitrogen used in the atmosphere?

Nitrogen is used in the atmosphere by.....


How much nitrogen does titan have?

98% of Titan's atmosphere is Nitrogen