All Flashcards
What are the environmental consequences of fertilizer overuse?
Eutrophication (algal blooms, oxygen depletion) and reduced species richness.
How does excess nitrogen runoff affect aquatic ecosystems?
Leads to algal blooms, which deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life (eutrophication).
What is the effect of fossil fuel combustion on the nitrogen cycle?
Can convert N2 directly into NO3, contributing to atmospheric deposition and acid rain.
What is the effect of fertilizer overuse on water bodies?
Eutrophication: excess nitrogen runoff leads to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and harm to aquatic life.
What is the effect of excess nitrogen on species richness?
Reduced species richness: plants that need more nitrogen outcompete others, decreasing the variety of species.
How does fossil fuel combustion affect the nitrogen cycle?
It can convert N2 directly into NO3, contributing to atmospheric deposition and acid rain.
What are the consequences of increased nitrogen deposition from the atmosphere?
Acidification of soils and water bodies, altered plant communities, and potential harm to sensitive ecosystems.
What is the effect of nitrogen runoff on coastal ecosystems?
Harmful algal blooms, dead zones due to oxygen depletion, and disruptions to marine food webs.
How does deforestation impact the nitrogen cycle?
Reduces nitrogen uptake by plants, leading to increased nitrogen runoff and potential water pollution.
What is the impact of nitrogen fertilizer production on the environment?
Energy-intensive process that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
How does livestock farming affect the nitrogen cycle?
Concentrated animal waste can lead to high levels of ammonia emissions and nitrogen runoff, causing water and air pollution.
What are the effects of nitrogen saturation in terrestrial ecosystems?
Increased leaching of nitrate, acidification of soils, and altered plant community composition.
How does climate change influence the nitrogen cycle?
Altered temperature and precipitation patterns can affect nitrogen fixation, denitrification, and decomposition rates.
Why is nitrogen important for life?
It's a key component of proteins, DNA, and other vital biomolecules, essential for all living things.
What makes nitrogen a limiting nutrient?
It's essential for life but often in short supply, restricting growth and productivity.
What role do bacteria play in the nitrogen cycle?
Bacteria are involved in nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification; decomposers (some bacteria) perform mineralization.
Why is nitrogen fixation important?
It converts atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants and other organisms.
Why is denitrification important?
It returns nitrogen to the atmosphere, completing the cycle and preventing excess nitrogen accumulation.
How do plants obtain nitrogen?
Plants absorb usable nitrogen (mostly nitrate) through their roots and assimilate it into their tissues.
What is the role of decomposers in the nitrogen cycle?
Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste, converting organic nitrogen back into inorganic ammonium.
What is the main reservoir of nitrogen?
The atmosphere, which is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen gas (N2).
What is the role of assimilation in the nitrogen cycle?
It's the process where plants incorporate nitrogen into their tissues, forming proteins and other biomolecules.
Why is the nitrogen cycle important for maintaining ecosystem health?
It ensures the continuous supply of nitrogen, a crucial element for plant growth and overall ecosystem productivity.