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Draw a large labelled diagram to illustrate the main features of the nitrogen cycle - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 15(b) - 2013
Question 15(b)
Draw a large labelled diagram to illustrate the main features of the nitrogen cycle. Outline two biological similarities between the nitrogen cycle and the carbon c... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Draw a large labelled diagram to illustrate the main features of the nitrogen cycle - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 15(b) - 2013
Step 1
Draw a large labelled diagram to illustrate the main features of the nitrogen cycle.
Answer
To illustrate the nitrogen cycle, include the following processes:
- Nitrogen Fixation: Nitrogen gas is converted into usable compounds by bacteria.
- Decomposition: Dead plants and animals break down, returning nitrogen to the soil.
- Ammonification: Organic nitrogen is converted to ammonium.
- Nitrification: Ammonium is converted to nitrite and then to nitrate by bacteria.
- Assimilation: Plants take up nitrates and incorporate them into plant proteins.
- Denitrification: Bacteria convert nitrates back to nitrogen gas, completing the cycle.
Step 2
Outline two biological similarities between the nitrogen cycle and the carbon cycle.
Answer
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Both cycles involve microbial activity: In both the nitrogen and carbon cycles, microorganisms play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter, facilitating the conversion of nutrients.
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Both cycles are essential for plant growth: The nitrogen cycle provides essential nutrients in the form of nitrates, while the carbon cycle ensures the availability of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, both supporting plant life.
Step 3
Suggest why continual monitoring of the environment is valuable.
Answer
Continual monitoring of the environment is crucial for detecting changes or assessing the impact of human activities on ecosystems. It helps in early identification of pollution levels, enables effective management of natural resources, and informs policymakers for making science-based decisions to protect biodiversity.
Step 4
In the case of each of the following pairs of terms, distinguish between the members of each pair by writing a sentence about each term.
Answer
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Contest competition: This occurs when individuals compete for a limited resource, where one individual can secure the resource completely, while others may gain none.
Scramble competition: This involves individuals competing for a resource where all individuals have the potential to access some of the resource, but no one can fully monopolize it.
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Edaphic: Refers to soil-related factors that affect plant growth, including soil composition and nutrient availability.
Aquatic: Relates to water-based environments, impacting organisms based on factors such as water quality and availability.
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Climate: Describes the long-term average of atmospheric conditions in a given area, influencing the overall environment.
Weather: Refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions, such as temperature and precipitation, that change daily.