Name_______________________
Date___________ Hour_________
The Nitrogen Cycle
Directions:
Read the background on the nitrogen cycle at Windows to the Universe and answer the
questions below.
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/Life/nitrogen_cycle.html&edu=high
1. List the reservoirs where nitrogen is stored.
2. Where is most of the nitrogen stored? In what form?
3. What do plants and animals need nitrogen for?
4. What form of nitrogen do living things use?
5. What organisms convert nitrogen gas into useable nitrogen for plants?
6. How do animals get their nitrogen?
7. How do humans affect the nitrogen cycle?
8. What affect does excess nitrogen have on bodies of water?
Click on Changing the Nitrogen Cycle, Changing the Planet
9. Explain how dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico are caused by fertilizer use as far North
as Minnesota.
10. Click on Releasing Nitrogen Pollutants into the Air.
What gases containing nitrogen are released into our atmosphere and how do they affect
our air quality?