35. Soil

Which process is responsible for converting atmospheric nitrogen gas (\(N_2\)) into biologically usable forms such as nitrite ($NO_2^-$) and nitrate ($NO_3^-$)?

How do animals obtain usable nitrogen for their biological processes?

Where do plants primarily obtain the nitrogen necessary for synthesizing amino acids and DNA?

What is the primary role of decomposers in the nitrogen cycle?

Which process is primarily responsible for returning nitrogen to the atmosphere in the nitrogen cycle?

For what essential biological purpose do plants and animals require nitrogen?

Why must atmospheric nitrogen (\(N_2\)) be 'fixed' before most organisms can use it, and which organisms are primarily responsible for this process?

Nitrogen fixation is __________.

Why do plants and animals need nitrogen?

How do animals obtain nitrogen for use in synthesizing proteins?

By trapping insects, carnivorous plants obtain __________, which they need __________.

Why do organisms require nitrogen?

The enzyme complex that catalyzes the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to ammonia is __________.

Why can't plants and animals use nitrogen (N_2) directly as it is found in the atmosphere?

Which biogeochemical cycle describes how nitrogen moves through an ecosystem?