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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
The nitrogen cycle diagram should include the following components:
- Nitrogen gas in the atmosphere
- Nitrogen fixation into usable compounds:
- Bacteria convert nitrogen gas to ammonium.
- Nitrification: Ammonium is turned into nitrite, then into nitrate.
- Assimilation: Nitrates are absorbed by plants and used to make proteins.
- Death and decomposition: Organic matter is broken down, releasing nitrogen back into the soil as ammonium.
- Denitrification: Some bacteria convert nitrates back to nitrogen gas, returning it to the atmosphere.
Each component should be labelled clearly with arrows indicating the flow between stages.
Step 2
Outline two biological similarities between the nitrogen cycle and the carbon cycle.
Answer
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Both cycles involve fixation processes: The nitrogen cycle incorporates nitrogen into organic compounds via nitrogen-fixing bacteria, while the carbon cycle involves carbon fixation through photosynthesis.
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Both cycles depend on decomposition: In both cycles, the breakdown of dead organic matter by decomposers returns the essential nutrients (nitrogen or carbon) back to the soil or atmosphere, thus maintaining ecosystem balance.
Step 3
Suggest why continual monitoring of the environment is valuable.
Answer
Continual monitoring of the environment is valuable to:
- Detect changes: Early identification of environmental changes can help in prompt intervention to mitigate negative impacts.
- Manage resources effectively: Ongoing data collection allows for better management of natural resources, ensuring sustainability.
- Understand trends: Long-term data helps in recognizing patterns that can inform policies and conservation efforts.
Step 4
Distinguish between Contest competition and scramble competition.
Answer
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Contest competition: This occurs when individuals compete for exclusive access to resources, leading to winners and losers. For example, stronger animals may dominate a territory and exclude others.
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Scramble competition: This type involves all individuals vying equally for resources, where the resource may become limited. It leads to a more equal distribution of resources as all can use what is available regardless of their strength.
Step 5
Distinguish between Edaphic and aquatic.
Answer
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Edaphic: This term refers to soil-related factors that influence organisms, such as soil composition and structure, which affect plant growth and habitat.
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Aquatic: This term pertains to water-related environments, influencing organisms such as fish and aquatic plants which thrive in water bodies, varying from freshwater to marine ecosystems.
Step 6
Distinguish between Climate and weather.
Answer
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Climate: Refers to long-term average conditions of temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric factors in a region, typically assessed over decades.
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Weather: Refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time, such as current temperatures, precipitation, and wind patterns.