folesa Cycles The Nitrogen Cycle Allliving things need nitrogen, and almost all nitrogen in the environment comes from the atmosphere. Lightning provides the energy to break the bonds of the nitrogen (N,) molecules. The toe (8) 3 anteaters eat rtogen being the soil. Plants absorb these ions through their roots. In cells, the ions react with carbon and other READING: Academic Sci atoms react with water to fire form nitrate ions (NO,) in sme. on eae a 2 animes tothe itogen returns ‘otheatmasphere elements to form organic compounds Most nitrogen gets into the biosphere or living environment through bacteria in the soil, Certain kinds of one-celled bacteria change nitrogen into ions that plants can use. The bacteria live on the roots of plants in the bean family, called legumes. The bacteria provide nitrogen compounds for the plants, The plants make food for the bacteria Scientists estimate that about 154 million tons of nitrogen are added to the living environment this way every year. ‘Once nitrogen is in the biosphere, it stays for ‘awhile. Animals eat the nitrogen-bearing plants. Carnivores eat the plant-eaters. The animals give off nitrogen back into the soil in the for of ammonia (NH,). Decomposers such as earthworms and bacteria change it to ammonium (NH,). This is another ion that plants can absorb. When plants and animals die, the decomposers return their nitrogen to the soil. Eventually it returns to the atmosphere, and the cycle begins again. (BS Oe er ‘©The Coninertal res ne. DUPLICATING THIS MATERIAL IS ILLEGALREADING: Academic Science @a Cycles 41. Which picture of a part of the nitrogen cycle shows how the bands of the nitrogen (N,) molecules are broken? "le ve We ee at Mite la Mette 2. Which sentence about the nitrogen cycle is true? @) Bacteria can only live on the skins of carnivores. The cycle occurs more frequently in the summer. © _Earthworms and bacteria are decomposers. ® _When plants and animals die, the decomposers return their nitrogen to the atmosphere. Uc ‘© The Continental Press oc. DUPLICATING THIS MATERIAL IS ILLEGAL.READING: Academic Science Cycles 3. How are plants and animals the same regarding the nitrogen cycle? @® They all convert ammonia to ammonium. | ‘Their atoms react with water to form nitrate ions. © They are all decomposers. © They all need nitrogen. 4. What is the role of legumes, or bean plants, in the nitrogen cycle? | @® They make food for the bacteria * cae They take nitrogen from the atmosphere © They release ammonium into the biosphere. { @) They provide food for the carnivores. | LESSON 18 LONI UMP ‘© The Continental Press Ic. DUPLICATING THIS MATERIAL IS ILLEGAL.